King Charles III has shared a heartfelt message after Catherine, the Princess of Wales, shared a public message revealing she is also battling cancer.

The Princess shared a video message with the public on Friday, explaining that the reason she has remained out of the limelight since undergoing abdominal surgery in January is that she was diagnosed with cancer.

She revealed that while the operation was initially not believed to be cancer-related, doctors later "found cancer had been present" and she was advised to undergo preventative chemotherapy, which she has begun.

Watch Princess Catherine's video message below: 

The news comes weeks after it was announced that King Charles had also been diagnosed with cancer after the monarch underwent a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate.

After Kate's video message was shared, the King issued a statement in which he praised the Princess for her "courage" in her health battle.

He said in a statement released by the palace: "His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for speaking as she did. His Majesty has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law.

"Both Their Majestys will continue to offer their love and support to the family at this time."

Princess Catherine has stayed out of the public eye since undergoing surgery. Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Princess Catherine's video addressing her health was released on Friday evening, with the date being chosen to coincide with her and Prince William's children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - having finished school for the Easter holidays.

She thanked the public for their "wonderful messages of support" and their "understanding" while she has remained out of the limelight since having surgery.

Catherine said: "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."

She added that it had "taken time" for her to recover from the major surgery before starting her treatment, as well as for her to be able to explain what is going on to her three children "in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok."

The couple had waited to break the news to their three young children in a way that was appropriate for their ages. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Catherine continued: "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."

She added that the family now needs "time, space, and privacy" while she completes her treatment, and that she is looking forward to returning to work when she is able, but her focus is currently on "making a full recovery".

The Princess ended her statement by saying: "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."

The news comes six weeks after it was revealed that King Charles is also battling cancer, with the two of them having briefly been treated at the London Clinic private hospital at the same time in January.

King Charles III is also battling cancer. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also shared a supportive message for Catherine after her announcement, saying: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."

Catherine's brother, James Middleton, also posted a sweet photo of the two of them together as children, writing on Instagram: "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too."

Featured image credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

King Charles III has shared a heartfelt message after Catherine, the Princess of Wales, shared a public message revealing she is also battling cancer.

The Princess shared a video message with the public on Friday, explaining that the reason she has remained out of the limelight since undergoing abdominal surgery in January is that she was diagnosed with cancer.

She revealed that while the operation was initially not believed to be cancer-related, doctors later "found cancer had been present" and she was advised to undergo preventative chemotherapy, which she has begun.

Watch Princess Catherine's video message below: 

The news comes weeks after it was announced that King Charles had also been diagnosed with cancer after the monarch underwent a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate.

After Kate's video message was shared, the King issued a statement in which he praised the Princess for her "courage" in her health battle.

He said in a statement released by the palace: "His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for speaking as she did. His Majesty has remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law.

"Both Their Majestys will continue to offer their love and support to the family at this time."

Princess Catherine has stayed out of the public eye since undergoing surgery. Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Princess Catherine's video addressing her health was released on Friday evening, with the date being chosen to coincide with her and Prince William's children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - having finished school for the Easter holidays.

She thanked the public for their "wonderful messages of support" and their "understanding" while she has remained out of the limelight since having surgery.

Catherine said: "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."

She added that it had "taken time" for her to recover from the major surgery before starting her treatment, as well as for her to be able to explain what is going on to her three children "in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok."

The couple had waited to break the news to their three young children in a way that was appropriate for their ages. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Catherine continued: "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."

She added that the family now needs "time, space, and privacy" while she completes her treatment, and that she is looking forward to returning to work when she is able, but her focus is currently on "making a full recovery".

The Princess ended her statement by saying: "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."

The news comes six weeks after it was revealed that King Charles is also battling cancer, with the two of them having briefly been treated at the London Clinic private hospital at the same time in January.

King Charles III is also battling cancer. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also shared a supportive message for Catherine after her announcement, saying: "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."

Catherine's brother, James Middleton, also posted a sweet photo of the two of them together as children, writing on Instagram: "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too."

Featured image credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images