Kate Middleton receives 'love and support' after cancer diagnosis; Know what Prince Harry, Meghan Markle said

It was further explained that she had a major abdominal surgery in January, but until then it was not known that there was any cancer.

While no details of the cancer have been disclosed yet, the Kensington Palace stated it was confident she would make a full recovery.

“However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” she stated.

The Princess of Wales' chemotherapy treatment started late last month. No further private medical information, including the type of cancer, has been shared yet.

In the message, Kate further shared that she and her husband, Prince William, needed time to explain the situation to their three children -- George, Charlotte and Louis.

“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 stated.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson on Friday said Britain's King Charles was proud of Kate for her courage in speaking about her treatment.

The spokesperson said Charles is "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did," adding that he has "remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks" after they spent time in hospital together, Reuters reported.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Princess of Wales has the "love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery".

In a statement on X, Sunak said Kate has shown "tremendous bravery with her statement."

“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,” Sunak said and added that when it comes to matters of health, Kate must be “afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who resigned from their roles as working royals in 2020 and currently reside in California, in a statement said, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they can do so privately and in peace”.

"Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate,” said US President Joe Biden on X.

Earlier, the US First Lady wrote on the social media site, “You are brave, and we love you.”