22 March 2024 , 19:14
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The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has offered its support to the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, who has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Princess revealed her diagnosis in a video message on Friday after weeks of rampant speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding her health. The 42-year-old, who is a patron for sporting bodies the RFU, the Rugby Football League and Wimbledon, stepped back from public commitments after having abdominal surgery in January.
The Princess has announced she has started a course of chemotherapy, thanking people for their support. She admitted she and Prince William had hoped to keep news of her diagnosis private "for the sake of our young family"
The RFU said in a statement: "Everyone at England Rugby is wishing our Patron HRH The Princess of Wales a full and speedy recovery."
A spokesman for the RFL added: "The RFL, and all in our sport, send our support and best wishes to our Royal Patron Catherine, Princess of Wales, and all her family and friends. We’re right behind you."
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A statement from Wimbledon said: "The thoughts of everyone at the All England Club are with our Patron HRH The Princess of Wales, HRH The Prince of Wales and their family at this time.
"We wish The Princess of Wales the very best as she takes the time she needs to make a full recovery."
Princess Kate says the support of Prince William after her cancer diagnosis has been invaluable (Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Princess Kate says it has "taken time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them" (Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)Kate said in her announcement video: "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."
She added: "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."