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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wish Princess Kate ‘health and healing’ but ‘had no idea’ she had cancer until her video
Kate described the diagnosis as a 'huge shock' in the emotional video
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have wished Princess Kate "health and healing" after her shock cancer diagnosis.
But an insider claimed the couple "had no idea" Kate, 42, was undergoing treatment for cancer until she shared a brave video message on Friday evening.
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Kate said the diagnosis had come as a "huge shock" - but vowed: "I am well and getting stronger every day".
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a short statement following the announcement.
The pair said: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."
It is understood the couple reached out to Kate and William after news broke of the mum-of-three's diagnosis.
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Kate informed the world about her shock diagnosis in a poignant video released at 6pm on Friday.
A source claims Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, did not find out about Kate's diagnosis until this time.
The insider told the : ";They had no idea, and only learned of the news around the same time the rest of the world found out."
In her address, Kate spoke about how the cancer was discovered and thanked her husband Prince William, 41, for his support.
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She also said she had broken the news to her children; George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis - telling them she was going to be "OK".
The Princess of Wales said the cancer was found following her "major"; abdominal surgery in January.
The Sun's Royal photographer Arthur Edwards reacts to Kate's cancer diagnosis
Initially, whatever was found was deemed "non-cancerous", but post-op tests found that cancer had been present.
She said: "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.
"William and I have been doing everything I can to process this privately for the sake of our young family.
"As you can imagine this has taken time. It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.";
More from Kate's emotional message...
- Kate reveals she's being treated for cancer
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wish Kate ‘health and healing’
- Kate's family share childhood photo and break silence
- King Charles says he’s ‘so proud’ of his daughter-in-law
- The Princess won’t return to royal duties until she’s cleared
- 'William is by my side' says Kate in shock cancer statement
- Kate's diagnosis 'was reason Will pulled out of service'
- Experts slam trolls who caused her more pain at a difficult time
She has chosen not to reveal what type of cancer she has.
Other family members, including royals, have also paid tribute to Kate following the diagnosis.
Buckingham Palace said the King is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did” and remains in the “closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law”.
Kate's brother James Middleton has paid tribute with a heartfelt image shared of the two when they were children.
He also said in the Instagram post: "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too."
Prince Harry made a dash back to London from California to see his father, the King, after Charles was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
But the short statement released on Friday gave no details about whether he would do the same for his sister-in-law.
The father and son reunited at Clarence House in February in their first face-to-face meeting for 16 months.
But Harry did not meet William following a deep rift between the brothers.
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The Sussexes were last seen making a speech in Los Angeles today for the first time since Kate was seen last weekend.
The couple stood up and chatted to a crowd at the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection's event at SoFi Stadium..
Kensington Palace is unable to say when chemotherapy treatment will end.
Kate’s abdominal procedure took place at the London Clinic on January 16, Kensington Palace previously confirmed.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
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
MARCH 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
MARCH 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
MARCH 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
MARCH 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
MARCH 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
She 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.
Kate's cancer diagnosis was the reason William pulled out of a church service at the last minute, it is understood.
Prince William did not attend the Thanksgiving service held in honour of Greece’s late King Constantine on February 27 - citing a "personal matter".
It is the second cancer shock to hit the royal family after King Charles was also diagnosed two months ago.
Charles spent three nights at the same hospital receiving treatment for an "enlarged prostate" after which cancer was found.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also released a statement wishing the princess well.
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He said: "She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today.
"In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media."
Kate's brave statement in full
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.
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