Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wish Princess Kate ‘health and healing’ after cancer diagnosis
PRINCE Harry and Meghan have wished Princess Kate “health and healing” after her shock cancer diagnosis.
In a short statement they said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
Kate revealed tonight she is undergoing treatment for cancer in a brave video message.
The royal, 42, said the diagnosis had come as a “huge shock” – but vowed: “I am well and getting stronger every day”.
Sitting on a bench at Windsor for the poignant clip, the royal thanked her husband Prince William for his support.
Kate also said she has broken the news to George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis – telling them she was going to be “OK”.
The Princess of Wales added: “My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
Kate said she initially had no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been “present”.
She has chosen not to reveal what type of cancer she has.
Other family members, including royals, have also paid tribute to Kate following the diagnosis.
Tonight Buckingham Palace said the King is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did” and remains in the “closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law”.
Kate’s brother James Middleton has paid tribute with a heartfelt image shared of the two when they were children.
He also said in the Instagram post: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”
The Sussexes were snapped making a speech in Los Angeles today for the first time since Kate was seen last weekend.
The couple stood up and chatted to a crowd at the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection’s event at SoFi Stadium.
In one snap, Meghan can be seen speaking into a microphone while Harry stands at her side.
In another the prince can be seen talking, and Meghan smiling away.
Kate's brave statement in full
I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.
In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should
undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.
As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.
We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.