Buckingham Palace has been inundated with tens of thousands of sympathy cards and gifts for the Princess of Wales, who bravely admitted she is undergoing cancer treatment.
We are told the palace communications team have been “deeply moved” by the affection shown to the 42-year-old, who announced in an emotional video message that she has begun preventive chemotherapy.
The princess has withdrawn from public life to focus on her treatment and recovery as well as to protect her young family.
But the outpouring of support for the princess continues, with palace staff receiving thousands of cards, letters and gifts from members of the public with support and well wishes.
The team has at times found it difficult to cope with the sheer volume of communication. However, staff do endeavour to respond to all writers eventually.
While the Prince and Princess of Wales have a dedicated office at Kensington Palace, all letters to members of the Royal Family are handled by the Court Post Office.
In a normal week, the Palace expects to receive up to 1,000 letters a week from members of the public with a variety of questions and well wishes for members of the Royal Family.
But the Princess’ experience since the announcement of her health problems has gone far beyond that.
Kate was unexpectedly admitted to hospital earlier this year for major abdominal surgery. She stayed in a London infirmary for two weeks before returning home to recover.
After a period of intense speculation about her health, the princess herself admitted in March that her condition was not thought to be cancer at the time, but that doctors had later found signs of the disease.
She made it clear that she needed to focus on both her own recovery and supporting her young children during this difficult time, and asked that her family be given time and space until her treatment is complete.
There have been no official updates on her health since then, but according to the Mail, the princess has been out and about more with her family in recent weeks, which many would see as a good sign.
However, Kensington Palace stressed earlier this week that she still urgently needs time and space to recover.
A Kensington Palace spokesman announced the ground-breaking report from the Business Taskforce during her early years, and stressed that the news should not be taken as a return to work.
A senior royal adviser added: “She has been kept informed since the select committee was set up, has read the report and been made aware of its contents.
“She has made a clear commitment to maintain this as her focus throughout her time in public life and that will not change when she returns to work.”
‘But we have been really clear that she needs the space and the privacy to recover right now. She will return to work when she has had the green light from doctors.’
I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.
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.
In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
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.
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.
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.
At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.