A friend of Princess Kate says the “drama” of the last few weeks has been upsetting for the royal.
Princess Kate wrote her cancer speech by herself and “very quickly” in a bid to stem the tide of gossip and speculation, a friend of the royal has said.

The Sunday Times reports the pal as saying: “It wasn’t really about the drama of the last few weeks, though obviously that has been upsetting.

“She felt she had to do it because of who she is. It was more that she knows she is a public figure and has a wider leadership responsibility. It was all her. She wrote every word of it. It came together very quickly.”

The pal added the speech allowed Kate to reach out to a supportive public who do not subscribe to the gossip and conspiracy theories, which have dominated social media since the princess withdrew from royal duties after planned abdominal surgery in January.

The revelation comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be “enormously touched” and “extremely moved” by the public’s warmth and support after Kate’s cancer announcement.

revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy in an emotional video message on Friday.

Princess Of Wales Announces She Is Receiving Chemotherapy For Cancer

Princess Kate wrote her speech ‘very quickly’ a friend of the royal says (Image: Getty)

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the prince and princess are “both enormously touched” by the “kind” messages from people in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.

They 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 prince, princess and their three children will not attend next week’s Easter service. It is not likely to be a large family gathering or service, according to The Telegraph, as King Charles has paused public-facing royal duties.

who has also been diagnosed with cancer, may attend a smaller version of the annual service at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel alongside Queen Camilla if his health allows.

King Charles and Princess Kate

King Charles praised Princess Kate’s ‘courage’ for making the speech (Image: Getty)

A source close to William and Kate bemoaned the “misinformation” surrounding the princess’s health and hoped the announcement would bring an end to the unpleasant rumours.

It is believed Kate decided to reveal the diagnosis herself with full backing from William. However, he reportedly felt regret she felt compelled to do it.

In the unprecedented video message, Kate spoke about the “huge shock” felt after tests identified cancer following the surgery and the “incredibly tough couple of months” her family have experienced. Her voice cracked with emotion at times during the footage.

It is understood the video message, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, was released on the day William and Kate’s children began their Easter school holidays, to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother’s health.

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Prince William missed a memorial service for his godfather reportedly to be with Princess Kate (Image: Getty)

Online rumours about Kate intensified after William missed at very short notice a memorial service for his godfather the late King Constantine of Greece on February 27.

It is now understood William’s decision not to attend was related to his wife’s condition, but it is not known when the princess was told about the positive test for cancer.

Further speculation was triggered after Kate admitted to “editing” her official Mother’s Day photograph which had irregularities.

A further development saw an investigation launched by the UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, into allegations there were attempts to access Kate’s private medical records at the London Clinic where she had her surgery.

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A top cancer doctor heaped praise on the Princess of Wales’s speech, describing it ass “very well-crafted”.

Dr Mangesh Thorat, Deputy Director of the Barts Clinical Trials Unit at the Centre for Cancer Prevention at Queen Mary University, told Sky News: “It was a very well-crafted statement and very well-delivered. I think it was very balanced. It provided the information that people wanted to know.

“It kept the private information private and it also gave an important message to the public, that we are in it together.”

The princess said in the video message: “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.”

Kate, who is casually dressed in the video and sitting on a bench in front of daffodils and spring blossom, added: “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.”

Kate ended her video message by saying: “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.”