Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issue statement after Kate Middleton announces she has undergone cancer treatment

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a statement regarding Kate Middleton's health update.

The Princess of Wales announced on Friday (22 March) that she was undergoing cancer treatment.

In the statement posted on X, Kate explained: "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."

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Kate continued: "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."

Following the news, Prince Harry and Meghan shared a short statement.

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It reads: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has issued a statement on behalf of King Charles.

It reads: “His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’.

“Following their time in hospital together, HM has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.’

“Both Their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.”

In a sign of support for his sister, Kate's brother, James Middleton, also shared a heartfelt message.

In a throwback image taken from their childhood, James could be seen standing next to his older sister.

"Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together," he wrote.

"As a family, we will climb this one with you too."