24 March 2024 , 13:11
764
0
Prince William is said to be "extremely proud" of his wife Kate for the "courage and strength" she has shown in recent months, according to royal sources.
The Prince and Princess of Wales said they had been “enormously touched” following Kate’s revelation she is having chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer. In an emotional video released on Friday, Kate confirmed she has begun a course of preventative chemotherapy, which started in February.
Kensington Palace said Kate continued to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits. The princess said she had assured her children that she is “well and getting stronger every day”.
Prince William is said to be proud of Kate's bravery in telling the world such devastating news. A royal source told The Telegraph: “William is extremely proud of his wife for the courage and strength she has shown not just this week, but since her surgery in January. 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.”
The Prince of Wales has been by his wife's side in recent weeks (Daily Mirror)In Kate’s video message, watched by millions of people around the world, the princess described her cancer diagnosis as “a huge shock” and confirmed she had, together with William, 41, personally broken the news to their children – but told them: “I am going to be ok.” A friend of the Royal Family has since revealed that Kate wrote the speech by herself "very quickly". Kate also thought a video message would be more reassuring than a written statement.
Brit 'saw her insides' after being cut open by propeller on luxury diving trip
The friend told The Sunday Times: "It wasn't really about the drama of the last few weeks, though obviously that has been upsetting. She felt she had to do it because of who she is. It was more that she knows she is a public figure and has a wider leadership responsibility." They added: "It was all her, she wrote every word of it, it came together very quickly."
After Kate's message, King Charles heralded her courage for making the public declaration. Buckingham Palace said: “His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did. Following their time in hospital together, His Majesty has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks."
On Saturday William and Kate were seen for the first time since the announcement, boarding a helicopter near their home in Windsor. It is believed they were heading to their Anmer Hall home in Norfolk, where they are expected to spend the Easter school holidays with their children George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five.
A spokesman 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.”