Prince William and Kate Middleton have shared a statement following the announcement of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis.

Photo: Instagram.com

Prince William and Kate Middleton have expressed their gratitude for the support and well wishes they received after it was revealed that the Princess of Wales has been diagnosed with cancer.

According to People, a spokesperson from Kensington Palace shared in a statement on Sunday that “the Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.” The spokesperson added, “They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”

The statement echoed the sentiments in Kate, Princess of Wales’ video in which she sat down to share an update on her health following conspiracy theories and mass speculation in the public and on social media.

The deeply personal message saw the royal share that a planned abdominal surgery in January “found cancer had been present,” as she went on to request “time, space, and privacy” while she undergoes preventative chemotherapy. The mother-of-three went on to explain that “it’s taken us time to explain everything” to kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, “in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.”

Following the announcement, the royal received an outpouring of messages of support from renowned figures both, inside and outside the royal family. Among the first to wish her well were King Charles III and Queen Camilla, followed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. “His Majesty is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement, per BBC News. “Both Their Majesties ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time.’” For their part, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stated, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

Actor Blake Lively took to Instagram to delete her post that poked fun at the drama surrounding the Princess’ photoshopped picture, and shared an apology on her Instagram Stories: “I’m sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this. I made a silly post around the ‘photoshop fails’ frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I’m sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always.” Olivia Munn, who recently revealed her own private 10-month battle with breast cancer, commented under the royal’s post, writing, “Thank you for showing what it’s like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best. .”