Poignant speech

Kate “wrote every word herself”

British Princess Kate Middleton made her cancer diagnosis public in a moving video message on Friday. The 42-year-old "wrote every word herself", a source has now revealed. 

The Princess of Wales explained in the video that she was diagnosed with cancer following an operation in January and is now in the "early stages" of treatment.

"It was a big shock," Kate said in the message, which was recorded in the gardens of Windsor Castle. She and her husband Prince William (41) had "done everything in our power to process and cope with this privately for the sake of our young family". The couple have three children: Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (8) and Prince Louis (5).

Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

(Bild: Chris Jackson / PA / picturedesk.com)

"Words written by myself"
 The Princess emphasized that she made the decision to make her diagnosis public herself. "I wanted to say it myself to control my story and to help remove the stigma that still surrounds cancer," Kate said.

The words of the message were "written by Kate herself", a palace source confirmed to People magazine. William is "extremely proud of his wife for the courage and strength she has shown, not just this week but since her operation in January," the source said.

Grateful for support
Kate and William expressed their gratitude on Saturday for the outpouring of support they received after the diagnosis was announced. "They have both been enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world," said a spokesperson for Kensington Palace.

The Princess's courageous openness about her cancer has caused great consternation and respect around the world. Kate has been praised in numerous media and social networks for her courage and strength.

King "proud of Catherine"
Her father-in-law, King Charles, also praised the princess. The monarch is "so proud of Catherine for her courage" in speaking about her illness, Buckingham Palace announced. The day before the video of Kate went online, Charles, who was also diagnosed with cancer in February, met Kate for lunch. He is said to have been very emotional afterwards.

During her long stay in hospital in January following her abdominal operation, the King, who was also in the same hospital for a few days for a prostate operation, is said to have visited Kate in his robe as soon as he could. 

"When they were in hospital together, he often shuffled down the corridor to spend time with her. He encouraged and supported her all the time," a royal insider told The Times.