Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have offered support to Catherine, Princess of Wales, after she said tests following abdominal surgery showed cancer had been present and she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” a statement from Prince Harry and Meghan read.

Buckingham Palace, on behalf of King Charles also issued a statement.

“His Majesty (HM) is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did’. Following their time in hospital together, HM has ‘remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks’.”

The palace said Charles and Queen Camilla would “continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time”.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commended the Princess of Wales for her bravery.

“The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery,” he said in a statement.

“She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today.

“In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.

“When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his and Australia’s thoughts were with the Princess of Wales.

“The Princess of Wales has shown extraordinary courage with her public statement today, in which she expresses her concern for others,” he wrote on X.

“We are sending support and strength in this difficult time as she undergoes treatment, and we wish her well for a speedy recovery.”

The White House and leaders around the world also sent messages of support.

“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,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

“On behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my support as she undergoes treatment. We’re all wishing her a swift recovery.”

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote: “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.”