The Prince and Princess of Wales issued their first joint statement Saturday since Kate Middleton revealed her cancer diagnosis.
“The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the U.K., across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message,” Prince William and Middleton said in a statement through their Kensington Palace spokesperson.
“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 BBC reports that the joint statement is likely both the “final chapter” and “the last we will hear from the prince and princess for a while” following Middleton’s video Friday where the Princess of Wales announced she had been diagnosed with cancer, putting an end to rampant gossip and conspiracy theories — spurred by obvious Photoshopping — about her well-being in the face of her public absence.
On Friday, Middleton said that following her January 16 “planned” abdominal procedure, “The surgery was successful, however, tests after the operation on cancer had been present.”
“This of course came as a huge shock,” she continued. “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 [their children] George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that’s appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be OK.”
King Charles also received a cancer diagnosis last month, after doctors ran diagnostic tests for an enlarged prostate at the London Clinic; Charles “will continue” to work behind the scenes on “State business and official paperwork,” according to a Buckingham Palace statement at the time.)
On Friday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issued a statement in reference to their sister-in-law’s diagnosis.
“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told People.