How the world found out about Kate’s devastating cancer diagnosis: From an ashen-faced Sophie Raworth on the BBC and Julie Etchingham on ITV to the foreign press’s sombre reaction

These are the breathtaking moments when British broadcasters broke Kate Middleton’s cancer news.

Shortly after 6pm tonight, the Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer in an emotional video message and told others battling the disease ‘you are not alone’.

The princess was admitted to hospital on January 16 for abdominal surgery. At the time, her condition was not thought to be cancerous, but tests after the successful surgery revealed it was cancer, the type of which has not been disclosed.

The news immediately broke on all major British news channels, including BBC, Sky and ITV News.

Sophie Raworth said on BBC News: ‘At six o’clock the Princess of Wales has just announced that she is undergoing treatment for cancer.

‘A very personal message from her has just appeared here, in which she explains what has happened in recent weeks.’

Following the announcement on BBC News, viewers rushed to social media to wish the Princess of Wales well.

One said: ‘#bbcnews #C4News Very sad news.. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy..’

“Bless her. Beautifully delivered message,” said another.

Meanwhile, ITV News’ Julie Etchingham said: ‘The Princess of Wales has revealed she is undergoing cancer treatment.

‘In a video message, Kate said her abdominal surgery in January revealed cancer was present.

‘She says she is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy and is getting stronger every day. Here’s the full message.’

Announcing the news, Sky News newsreader Jonathan Samuels said: ‘At 6pm we start with a big update on the Princess of Wales. The princess has announced that she is receiving treatment for cancer.

‘Kate says the abdominal surgery she underwent in January was successful and her condition at the time was not cancer-free.

‘However, tests carried out after that operation revealed the presence of cancer and Kate started a course of preventive chemotherapy at the end of last month.

“Tonight she released a personal video message, which we can now bring to you.”

Meanwhile, in the United States, NBC News announced the news while playing the recorded video clip of the Princess of Wales.

NBC said: ‘Kensington Palace just released this video of Princess Kate announcing that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. ‘

Meanwhile, ABC News said: ‘Amid global concern over speculation, Princess Catherine has now revealed her personal health struggles and why she kept them secret.

‘The Princess of Wales recently released a video showing herself being treated for cancer.’

Meanwhile, CBS News paused its March Madness coverage to air Kate Middleton’s statement revealing she has cancer, in a rare break from the network’s NCAA programming.

The broadcaster had more than five minutes left in Northwestern’s game against Florida Atlantic on Friday afternoon when the news broke.

The break lasted a few minutes before the match resumed.

In the video, Kate spoke about the “huge shock” of the medical development and how her family has been through an “incredibly tough few months” and her voice cracked with emotion at times.

The future queen started a course of ‘preventive chemotherapy’ at the end of February, but is said to be positive about her recovery and is in good spirits. She describes herself as ‘good and getting stronger every day’.

The king, who is also being treated for cancer, and the queen have been informed about the princess’s health.

In the video message recorded in Windsor on Wednesday, the Princess said: ‘In January I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time my condition was thought to be non-cancerous.

‘The operation was successful. However, tests after the surgery revealed that cancer was present. My medical team therefore recommended that I undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

‘This obviously came as a huge shock, and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. You can imagine that this took time.’

It is understood the video was released on the day William and Kate’s three children started their Easter holidays to take advantage of the break and protect them from news reports about their mother’s health.

Kate, who is dressed casually and sitting on a bench in the video, added: ‘It took me time to recover from major surgery before I could start my treatment. But most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them, and to reassure them that I will be fine.

“As I told them; I am doing well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.”

The announcement could end weeks of intense speculation and conspiracy theories on social media about the future queen’s whereabouts and health.

It is not known how long Kate will receive treatment, but it is understood she is keen to attend events when she is able, in accordance with medical advice, although this does not mean she will return to full-time work.