St Andrews residents send messages of support to Kate after cancer diagnosis

Residents of St Andrews have sent their well wishes to the Princess of Wales after she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer.

In a pre-recorded statement released on Friday, the princess said that she is receiving chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer following recent major abdominal surgery.

Her health has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks but Kensington Palace has said she has been recovering in private.

Kate met Prince William in 2001 while both were students in residence at St Salvator’s Hall at the University of St Andrews.

One well wisher said she found it 'personally really upsetting'. — One well wisher said she found it ‘personally really upsetting’. STV News

One woman from the town told STV News: “I find it personally really upsetting because I’m the same age as her and I have three children similar ages to hers as well.”

Another added: “My own father had cancer and he couldn’t even tell me, so everybody deals with it in different ways and respect, kudos to her.”

On Friday night, messages of support poured in from all of Scotland’s major political parties.

One woman sent her 'respect' to the princess — One woman sent her ‘respect’ to the princess STV News

In a statement, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Catherine, The Princess of Wales, at what must be the most difficult and anxious of times for her, the Prince of Wales, their children, and of course Catherine’s family and friends, and the whole Royal Family.

“This news is all the sadder following His Majesty The King’s own recent cancer diagnosis, and I wish Her Royal Highness a speedy return to full health and a resumption of public duties at the time that is right for her.”

Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, also expressed his support for the princess.

In a statement sent via the party’s press office, he said: “I join people across the world in sending my best wishes to Her Royal Highness for a full and speedy recovery, following her dignified and courageous statement.

“So many people will be able to relate to this situation because of their own experience with cancer, or that of a loved one.

“My thoughts are with the Duchess of Rothesay and the entire Royal Family as she begins her treatment.”

I'm deeply saddened to hear the news about the Princess of Wales/Duchess of Rothesay. I am praying for her swift recovery.

It must be an incredibly difficult time for the whole family.

Royalty or otherwise, she has a right to privacy, which I hope will be respected. https://t.co/vNzNH1X8JF
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 22, 2024

Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, said Kate was “courageous” for posting the video statement.

On X, he wrote: “This is a courageous video from the Duchess of Rothesay.

“My thoughts are with her, her husband and children, and all of the Royal Family.

“We wish her a full and speedy recovery.”

Alex-Cole Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, wrote on X: “On behalf of the (Scottish Liberal Democrats) I’d like to wish the Princess of Wales all the very best on her journey to recovery following her diagnosis.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Green Party wished the princess a quick recovery.

They said: “As with all those suffering from cancer, we would wish Catherine a speedy recovery.”

Kate said she has explained “everything” to her children, George, Louis and Charlotte, and has reassured them she will be OK, adding that the family has asked for “time, space and privacy” as she undergoes treatment.