The Prince and Princess of Wales have issued a joint statement a day after Princess Catherine shared the news that she is battling cancer. 

On Friday (March 22) the Princess shared a video message with the public, addressing the reason for her absence from public life since undergoing major abdominal surgery in January. 

She revealed that while the surgery was not initially deemed to be cancer-related, the disease was found as a result, and she has begun preventative chemotherapy.

Watch her full message below: 

Following on from Catherine's video, the Princess was met with an overwhelming wave of support and well-wishes from the public.

In their first public statement since the announcement, she and Prince William thanked everyone for their kindness and understanding of their request for privacy for them and their three young children.

They said in a statement, shared by BBC News: "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's 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."

William and Kate thanked the public for their support in the wake of the announcement. Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Princess Catherine had spent two weeks in hospital after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January, before being discharged to continue her recovery at home.

Speculation had mounted after the Princess remained out of the limelight, with the Palace initially having said she would return to public duty after Easter.

Following her announcement, Catherine revealed that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy and would return to work when she feels ready.

Read her full statement below: 

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.

The couple explained the diagnosis to their young children before going public. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

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 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."

Our thoughts remain with Princess Catherine and wish her well in her recovery.

Featured image credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Prince and Princess of Wales have issued a joint statement a day after Princess Catherine shared the news that she is battling cancer. 

On Friday (March 22) the Princess shared a video message with the public, addressing the reason for her absence from public life since undergoing major abdominal surgery in January. 

She revealed that while the surgery was not initially deemed to be cancer-related, the disease was found as a result, and she has begun preventative chemotherapy.

Watch her full message below: 

Following on from Catherine's video, the Princess was met with an overwhelming wave of support and well-wishes from the public.

In their first public statement since the announcement, she and Prince William thanked everyone for their kindness and understanding of their request for privacy for them and their three young children.

They said in a statement, shared by BBC News: "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's 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."

William and Kate thanked the public for their support in the wake of the announcement. Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Princess Catherine had spent two weeks in hospital after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January, before being discharged to continue her recovery at home.

Speculation had mounted after the Princess remained out of the limelight, with the Palace initially having said she would return to public duty after Easter.

Following her announcement, Catherine revealed that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy and would return to work when she feels ready.

Read her full statement below: 

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.

The couple explained the diagnosis to their young children before going public. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

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 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."

Our thoughts remain with Princess Catherine and wish her well in her recovery.

Featured image credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images