King Charles, Prince Harry, politicians offer support to Kate after cancer announcement

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LONDON — King Charles, Prince Harry and political leaders offered support to Kate, Princess of Wales, after she said tests following abdominal surgery showed cancer had been present and she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

"His Majesty (HM) is 'so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did'," Buckingham Palace said on behalf of King Charles III. "Following their time in hospital together, HM has 'remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.' Both Their Majesties (Charles and Queen Camilla) 'will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time'."

"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, said.

"The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery," U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement. "She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today."

"We are incredibly sad to hear of the news," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told a regular news conference, adding she wished Catherine a full recovery.

"My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, her children, and the entire Royal Family following the news of her cancer so courageously shared," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. "On behalf of Canadians, I'm sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We're all wishing her a swift recovery."

"Your Highness, In this difficult period you are going through, Brigitte and I wish you a full recovery. Your strength and resilience inspire us all," French President Emmanuel Macron said.

"My thoughts, and those of Australians, are with the Princess of Wales and her family following the news of her cancer diagnosis," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. "The Princess of Wales has shown extraordinary courage with her public statement today, in which she expresses her concern for others. We are sending support and strength in this difficult time as she undergoes treatment, and we wish her well for a speedy recovery."

"New Zealand’s thoughts are this morning with the Princess of Wales following the news of her cancer diagnosis," New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said. "I know Kiwis across the world will be wishing her well in her recovery."

"I am heartened by The Princess of Wales' optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope," U.K. Opposition Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer said. "Her Royal Highness will be in our thoughts and prayers as she progresses through her treatment with the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too."

"I'm deeply saddened to hear the news about the Princess of Wales/Duchess of Rothesay. I am praying for her swift recovery," Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf wrote on social media. "It must be an incredibly difficult time for the whole family. Royalty or otherwise, she has a right to privacy, which I hope will be respected."

"I am very sorry to hear the news of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis," First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said. "I send her my best wishes and the strength for her treatment, and a full and speedy recovery. A special word of thought to her young family at this challenging time."

"Deeply saddened to hear the news about HRH The Princess of Wales. On behalf of people across Wales, I would like to send our love and support to the Princess and her family at this very difficult time," Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething said. "All of our thoughts are with you as you continue your treatment."

(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Compiled by William Schomberg and Alistair Smout; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Frances Kerry)