A leading cancer doctor has said the Princess of Wales is "so brave" for speaking openly about her cancer diagnosis - ahead of more "difficult treatment."
Top oncologist, Professor Pat Price, also the chair of Radiotherapy UK, said one of the worst things about cancer is the "fear of the unknown." She also said Princess Kate's initial thoughts after finding out she has cancer would have been her three children, and then her husband, Prince William.
Professor Price's comments come as the Princess of Wales shared her cancer diagnosis to the world, in a new video that was released today (March 22) at 6pm. Her diagnosis comes after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January at the London Clinic. The announcement today will quell the outlandish rumours and theories surrounding her continued absence following the operation, with the Princess today asking for privacy as her family come together as they battle the next few months.
Professor Price said: "She is amazing. She’s got to go through some more treatment which will be difficult. Once (cancer) is caught early, that’s usually when we can cure it.
"(The royal family) needs to be given time and space. It might sound wrong to say, but there can be some good and really positive things that come out of this… in terms of understanding. It’s a positive message… I really hope she will be OK," she told BBC News.
The announcement was filmed at Windsor by BBC Studios earlier this week. In the video, the Princess of Wales said: "I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
"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. As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
"But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok. 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 so much to us both. We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we 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. 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."