Kate Middleton’s announcement revealing her cancer diagnosis came from the heart.
“She wrote every word herself,” a palace source confirmed to PEOPLE of the Princess of Wales’ video of the speech, which was released Friday and filmed two days earlier in the gardens of Windsor Castle.
A family friend adds: “She wrote the words herself, delivered them in person and wanted to decide when the time was right to break this news to the world.”
On Friday, Kate, 42, shared her cancer diagnosis in an emotional video message. She said she was diagnosed following abdominal surgery in January after post-operative tests “determined the cancer was present” and is now in the “early stages” of treatment.
Prince William is said to be “extremely proud of his wife for the courage and strength she has shown not only this week, but since the operation in January,” a royal source said.
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The insider added that William, 41, is protective of his family, saying: “Now more than ever he is focused on giving his wife the privacy she needs to fully recover and his children being protected from the understandable interest in the news which divided.”
On Saturday, the Prince and Princess of Wales said they were grateful for the outpouring of support they received after the princess was diagnosed with cancer.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said in a statement that Kate and William were “both deeply touched by the kind messages from people here in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message.”
A source said Prince William was “extremely proud” of his wife, Princess Kate, for her strength in recent weeks.
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Kate Middleton and Prince William ‘extraordinarily touched’ by ‘kind messages’ amid her cancer diagnosis
“They are extremely touched by the warmth and support of the public and are grateful for your understanding of their request for privacy at this time,” the spokesperson added.
In her speech on Friday, Kate began by thanking well-wishers for their support over the past few weeks.
She then called her diagnosis a “huge shock” and said she and William were “doing everything they can to process and resolve this privately for the sake of our young family,” referring to their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8 , and Prince Louis, 5.
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to receive the latest news on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Princess Kate added that “it took us time to explain everything” to their children “in a way that was appropriate for them and to reassure them that I would be fine.”
Kraljevna concluded her speech by acknowledging those who are also dealing with cancer. “At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. To all who are dealing with this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.” she said.
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Source: HIS Education