Kate Middleton announces cancer diagnosis on March 22, 2024.Photo:BBC Studios

Kate Middleton announces cancer diagnosis on March 22, 2024.

BBC Studios

Kate Middleton’s announcement revealing her cancer diagnosis came from the heart.

“She wrote every word herself,” a palace source confirms to PEOPLE of the Princess of Wales' video speech, which was released on Friday and filmed two days prior in the gardens of Windsor Castle.

A family friend adds, “She wrote the words herself, delivered it personally and wanted to decide when the time was right to hit the world with this news.”

On Friday, Kate, 42, shared her cancer diagnosis in anemotional video message. She said she received the diagnosis following herabdominal surgeryin January after post-operative tests “found cancer had been 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 just this week, but since her surgery in January,” a royal source says.

The insider added that William, 41, is protective of his family, stating, “Now more than ever he’s focused on ensuring his wife has the privacy she needs to fully recover and that his children are shielded from the understandable interest in the news that has been shared.”

On Saturday, the Prince and Princess of Walessaid they were grateful for the wide supportthey’ve received following the princess’ cancer diagnosis announcement.

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales attend a SportsAid mental fitness workshop at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark World Mental Health Day on October 12, 2023 in Marlow, England.

She then called her diagnosis a “huge shock” and said that she and William “have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” referring to their three children:Prince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!Princess Kate added that “it’s taken us time to explain everything” to their kids “in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.”

source: people.com