PRINCESS Kate revealed she is undergoing cancer treatment via video message to break the news “as compassionately as possible”, a close friend has revealed.
Brave Kate announced her “shock” diagnosis yesterday evening in a heartfelt clip released at 6pm.
Sitting on a bench at Windsor for the poignant clip, the royal said she initially had no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been “present”.
Now it’s been revealed that the idea of revealing the diagnosis by video was Kate’s – as she believed a written statement would be “too jarring”.
A close friend told The Sunday Times: “It allowed her to speak directly to the public who, overwhelmingly have always been with her and her family and who won’t buy into the noise and gossip.
“She thought about the most compassionate way she could deliver the news so that it would land with the public in the least shocking way.”
In the video Kate thanked her husband Prince William for his support and told how she broke the news to George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis.
Now sources have revealed how “extremely proud” William is of his wife.
They told The Telegraph: “He has always done all he can to protect his family and now more than ever he’s focused on ensuring his wife has the privacy she needs to fully recover and that his children are shielded from the understandable interest in the news that has been shared.”
It comes as the royal couple tonight said they are both “enormously touched” by the outpouring of kindness from people across the world” in a new statement.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.
“They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”
Kate was last officially seen with her family at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.
Her absence has been plagued by vile conspiracy theories over her whereabouts in the weeks that followed the announcement.
On March 4, Kate was seen for the first time since her operation. as she rode in a car with mum Carole, 69.
That same week, she shared a sweet snap of herself with Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte for Mother’s Day.
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MARCH 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
But eagle-eyed royal fans were quick to spot flaws in the snap – before photo agencies ordered a “kill notice” on the pic.
This caused further vile conspiracy theories to spread – before Kate admitted on March 11 that she had “experimented with editing“.
She was spotted in the car with Prince William as they left Windsor Castle that afternoon.
She was later said to be “very sad” that the sweet photograph had triggered a global furore.
William meanwhile has been continuing his royal duties – joking how his “wife was the arty one” at one event last Thursday.
He also made an emotional speech about mum Diana at her legacy awards.
Then, on Saturday, royal fans spotted Princess Kate out and about near her home at Windsor.
On Monday, Kate seen in a video obtained by The Sun shopping with Prince William.
The diagnosis comes as three workers at The London Clinic are investigated over allegations they attempted to hack Kate’s medical records.
Bosses at the hospital have refused to confirm when they were first made aware of the allegation, whether anyone had been suspended, or if any private information was accessed.
The London Clinic’s chief executive Al Russell said in a statement: “Everyone at The London Clinic is acutely aware of our individual, professional, ethical and legal duties with regards to patient confidentiality.
“We take enormous pride in the outstanding care and discretion we aim to deliver for all our patients that put their trust in us every day.”
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.
