It was the video message that put an end to months of speculation about Catherine, the Princess of Wales’ health — a simple, moving announcement that she was being treated for cancer.

In the video, a pale and drawn-looking Kate, wearing a striped jumper and jeans and with her hands clasped in her lap, sat on a garden bench as she delivered the shock news.

But her husband, Prince William, was not beside her, with the 42-year-old mum-of-three announcing the news alone.

Some wondered why William was not sitting next to her to provide emotional support or hold her hand.

It seems the princess decided to appear on her own in order to send a subtle message after being subjected to so much individual scrutiny in the months beforehand.

HELLO!’s royal correspondent Danielle Stacey said Kate had written “every single word” of her video address and felt it was “appropriate” to deliver it solo.

“Those who work closely with the Princess often speak of her inner strength and I think her video message is a huge example of that,” she said.

“Kate spoke of her husband’s support, stating ‘having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance’, and no doubt the Prince is proud of his wife’s courage and choosing to announce the news in the way she wanted to.

“Kate also referenced ‘all those whose lives have been affected by cancer’ and I think it was important for her to deliver this message solo to connect with others facing cancer.

“She ended her message on a compassionate note, saying, ‘For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone’.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales has announced she has been diagnosed with cancer. Credit: X/@KensingtonRoyal

Although some wondered why William had not sat beside his wife during the announcement, others praised her courage for sharing her diagnosis by herself.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said her father-in-law King Charles, who is also battling cancer, was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”.

It’s understood Charles and Catherine have stayed in close contact since being diagnosed with cancer, the types of which have not been disclosed.

In her video message, Kate revealed she had started the first round of “preventative chemotherapy” after planned abdominal surgery revealed that cancer had been present.

“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,” Kate said.

William and Kate “are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time”. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AP

“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.”

Prince William, Catherine Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis pose for their 2023 Christmas portrait. Credit: princeandprincessofwales/Instagram

After the bombshell announcement, Catherine and William expressed their gratitude for the well wishes they had received from around the world.

“The Prince and Princess are both enormously 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 Kensington Palace spokesperson said.

“They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”