King Charles says he is ‘so proud’ of Kate Middleton ‘for her courage’ in revealing her cancer diagnosis as he remains in ‘closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law’

King Charles said tonight that he is ‘so proud’ of the Princess of Wales ‘for her courage’ to reveal her cancer diagnosis and continues to maintain ‘closest contact’ with her.

The monarch, 75, continues his battle against cancer as Kate, 42, revealed she is also battling the disease in an unprecedented video speech.

Buckingham Palace shared Charles’ reaction to the shocking news, saying: His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage to speak as she did.’

‘Following their time together in hospital, HM has ‘remained in close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law in recent weeks’.

“Their Majesties will continue to offer their love and support to the entire family at this difficult time.”

The King continues his battle against cancer as his ‘beloved daughter-in-law’, the Princess of Wales, revealed she is also battling the disease

Kate’s cancer announcement marks the latest blow to the royal family in the past year, with the king also diagnosed with the disease.

The princess was initially admitted to hospital on January 16 for abdominal surgery and at the time it was believed that her condition was not cancerous, but after successful surgery cancer was found.

Charles was admitted to hospital just days after Kate, also for a procedure deemed unrelated to cancer.

In February, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, other than prostate cancer, which was discovered while the king was being treated for an enlarged prostate at the private London clinic.

The king has postponed public duties, but it is said that he continues to work behind the scenes on his red boxes: his state affairs and official papers.

Sarah, Duchess of York, became the third royal in a row to announce a medical procedure in early 2024 when she revealed a diagnosis of malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

The princess is now on what is being described as a ‘recovery journey’ after starting a course of chemotherapy at the end of February.

It is for this reason that Prince William pulled out of a memorial service for his late godfather, King Constantine of Greece.

Kensington Palace has urged people not to speculate about her cancer.

However, they say she is “in good spirits and focused on her recovery.”

“She is extremely grateful to the medical team for the care they provide her,” the spokesperson said. ‘She now needs time, space and privacy to complete her treatment and make a full recovery.’

It’s understood the announcement was made tonight not because of unpleasant speculation on social media about her health and whereabouts – although that was worrying – but because her children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, went bankrupt . taken out of school today, giving them a chance to take them privately and protect them from the inevitable public shock.

In her video statement, the princess, dressed casually in a stripped Breton top and jeans, said: “I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding while I was recovering from surgery. It’s been an incredibly tough few months for our whole 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 had major abdominal surgery in London and at the time my condition was deemed 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. As you can imagine, this has taken time. 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. Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and reassurance. As does the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means so much to both of us.

‘We hope you understand that we as a family 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.”

Even in the midst of her own personal anguish, there was a message for fellow cancer patients: “At this time, I also think of all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. To anyone facing this disease in any form, please do not lose faith and hope. You are not alone.’