Prince William “has responded” to his estranged brother’s message of support in the wake of Kate’s cancer diagnosis.

The Prince of Wales, who has not been on speaking terms with Prince Harry for many months, reportedly sent back a text in reply to his and Meghan Markle’s well-wishes, which they sent following Kate’s video announcement on Friday.

However, according to British newspaper The Mirror, it wasn’t a particularly friendly exchange, with William said to have opted against a “warm, informal” tone.

“Harry and Meghan have been in contact with William, but their private message was simply one of sympathy and didn’t include any suggestion the brothers should make up and let bygones be bygones or that Harry should fly back to the UK soon,” royal author Tom Quinn told the publication.

“There is just too much ill-feeling for that. William, who is still hurt by everything Harry has said in the past, has responded, but the response is very much engineered by the palace and it’s hardly the kind of warm, informal response you would expect from one brother to another.

“It’s more like the sort of communication you would get between two slightly wary diplomats.”

Following Kate’s announcement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex quickly released a statement with a show of support, despite their rift with the Waleses.

It read: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

Meanwhile, it was reported over the weekend Harry and Meghan had not been told of the situation ahead of the broadcast, and had found out with the rest of the world.

It comes amid claims that Harry is keen on reconciling with his family, particularly in light of his father’s cancer battle.

According to the UK’s Telegraph newspaper, this could be bolstered by Harry’s plan to attend a service at St Paul’s Cathedral in May, in honour of the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games, although this is yet to be officially confirmed.

However, the publication added his attempts to end the rift are likely to be rebuffed by William.

Sources close to the Wales told the Telegraph amid all their concerns, the “Harry problem” is not even ranking in their priority list.

They added with trust in Harry and his wife – who have repeatedly publicly aired details of their grievances with William and Kate – “well and truly shattered”, the Prince of Wales is now focused solely on protecting his wife and shielding her from any added distress.

Kate, who has been at the centre of frenzied speculation in recent weeks, shared her diagnosis with the world in an emotional video on Friday night, UK time.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding while I have been recovering from surgery,” she said in the clip.

“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.”

Kate added the cancer was discovered after her abdominal surgery in January, and it had come as a “huge shock”.

Despite the devastating diagnosis, Kate insisted she was getting “stronger every day”.

“I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,” she said.

“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.”