The Prince and Princess of Wales have been 'enormously touched' and 'extremely moved' by the outpouring of public support following Kate's cancer announcement, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said. The family has retreated to their country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, where they plan to 'close off from the world and move on' as the princess undergoes preventative chemotherapy.
Prince William is said to be in 'protection mode', drawing on his experience of losing his mother, Diana, at age 15. A friend of the prince told the Sunday Times that William 'undoubtedly' has been influenced by that tragedy. The couple's priority is to focus on their family unit of five, rather than their royal duties, as they navigate this difficult period.
The Waleses will not attend the traditional royal Easter Sunday service next week, which King Charles is hoping to attend. Instead, they will concentrate on supporting each other. A royal aide emphasised that the family is not 'a corporation like Apple' but 'two human beings' dealing with a personal health crisis.
In her emotional video message, Kate, 42, revealed that she and William explained her diagnosis to their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, telling them she is 'doing well and getting stronger every day'. She expressed gratitude for having her husband by her side as they process the news privately for the sake of their young family.
