Harry and Meghan today said they are wishing the Princess of Wales ‘health and healing’ after she announced her shock cancer diagnosis.

‘We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,’ the couple said in a brief statement to Harper’s Bazaar.

It remains unclear if Harry will return to the UK, as he did after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.

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Harry and Meghan made an appearance at an art event in California’s SoFi stadium last night, before the Princess of Wales’ shock cancer announcement

Kate announced her diagnosis in a video message today, explaining that the cancer was discovered after her abdominal surgery.

‘The surgery was successful, however, tests after the operation found that cancer had been present.

‘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 George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I will be okay.’

She has since received a global outpouring of support.

Among the first to praise her bravery was King Charles.

‘His Majesty is so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,’ a palace spokesman said today.

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The Princess of Wales with her three children in a photograph released on Mother’s Sunday

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Once dubbed the ‘Fab Four’, the two couples have not been seen together publicly since the Queen’s funeral

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Screenwriter Matheos Coelho posted a picture he had taken with Meghan yesterday after the California event

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The Princess of Wales with Princes Louis and George at Sandringham on Christmas Day

‘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 ”will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time”.’

Harry and Meghan last week denied a statement that had been attributed to sources within their camp that claimed Meghan would have been ‘annihilated’ for photo-shopping an image, as Kate was accused of.

The pair denied that such a remark – as reported by Page Six – had come from their team.

They have not publicly addressed the speculation surrounding Kate’s health, or the cruel conspiracy theories that dominated late-night shows in America and whipped up online trolls.

Last week, the pair launched their latest business venture – American Riviera Orchard – at the height of the furor.

The brand will sell items like homemade jam.

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The pair promoting the 2025 Invictus Games in Whistler last month

Princess of Wales’ speech in full

 I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

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. 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.

Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.

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.