In their hour of greatest stress and uncertainty, the Prince and Princess of Wales are drawing strength from an enormous wave of support following Kate’s cancer announcement.

The couple are “enormously touched” and “extremely moved”, a Kensington Palace spokesman said.

Kate, 42, revealed she was undergoing preventive chemotherapy in an emotional video message on Friday.

There has been a global outpouring of support, including from the King, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, political figures and members of the public.

“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,”  the palace statement said.

“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.”

The King’s pride

Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in February, is said to be proud of his “beloved” daughter-in-law for her courage in speaking about her treatment and has remained in close contact during the past few weeks.

Words of support also came from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

Kate is in constant touch with King Charles, who is fighting his own cancer battle.

The form of cancer has not been disclosed, but the future queen began a course of “preventive chemotherapy” late in February, and is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as “well and getting stronger every day”.

William and Kate have focused on their children, taking the time to sensitively share the state of the princess’s health with Prince George, Prince Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Political leaders of all sides expressed sympathy and support for Kate and criticised what Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described as the “intense scrutiny” she has faced from social media and sections of the media.

It is understood the video message, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, was released on the day William and Kate’s three children began their Easter school holidays, to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother’s health.

The announcement might end weeks of intense speculation and conspiracy theories on social media about the whereabouts and health of the future queen.

Quelling the rumours

Rumours online about Kate intensified after William missed, at very short notice, the memorial service of his godfather the late King Constantine of Greece on February 27.

It is understood the prince’s decision not to attend was related to his wife’s condition, but it is not known when the princess was told about the positive test for cancer.

Further speculation was triggered after the princess admitted “editing” her official Mother’s Day photograph which had irregularities.

In a further development, the UK’s privacy watchdog launched an investigation into allegations there were attempts to access Kate’s private medical records at the London Clinic where she had her surgery.

It is not known how long Kate will receive treatment but it is understood she might be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice.

William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since her operation.

He and his wife will not attend the royal family’s traditional Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel, which the King hopes to go to with the Queen if his health allows.

Charles has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early February after he was treated for an enlarged prostate at the same hospital where Kate had abdominal surgery.

-AAP