The Prince and Princess of Wales during a visit to Factory Works in Birmingham to mark World Mental Health Day. Picture date: Tuesday October 10, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL MentalHealth. Photo credit should read: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire

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Kate Middleton says the Prince of Wales – who stepped aside to support her at a critical time for the monarchy – has been “a great source of comfort and reassurance” during her cancer fight. Kate said she and William had been doing all they could to “process and manage” the news in a private way for their children’s sake.

The prince is said to be focusing on supporting Kate and their children Prince George, 10, eight-year-old Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who is aged five. He will continue to undertake engagements and work as the heir to the throne while his wife undergoes treatment, it is understood.

Back in January, when Kate underwent major abdominal surgery, the couple were described as having moved to a stance of “100% family first, day job second”. William stepped back temporarily from official duties to care for the princess and look after their children. READ MORE: Kate Middleton has cancer and announces she is having chemotherapy

This was at a time when the King was also away from public engagements following treatment on his prostate. In her address to the nation today, Friday, March 22, Kate described recent months as “incredibly tough” for her family. But she paid tribute to William, with whom she will have been married for 13 years next month.

Talking of how she explained the news to her three children, Kate said: “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.”

Kate married William in Westminster Abbey in central London on April 29 2011 after an eight-year relationship. Recalling how she and William first met, she said: “I actually think I went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy about meeting you.”

The pair were in the same halls and became friends, flatmates and then their relationship blossomed into a relationship, reportedly around Christmas 2003.