- By Neranjana Elapatha & Curtis Lancaster
- BBC News
The Princess of Wales will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days
In a video statement released on Friday evening, Catherine described her diagnosis as a “huge shock”.
She said she has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy, after tests revealed the cancer following abdominal surgery in January.
Across Berkshire, where the princess lives with her family, people have expressed sympathy for the royal.
Catherine lives with her husband Prince William and their three children in the Berkshire town
On the Long Walk, in Windsor Jean Hood said: “I think it is incredibly sad and my heart goes out to her and the family.”
Ms Hood has lived in the historic town for 40 years and told the BBC the story resonated with her because her mother had cancer.
“My mother passed away when I was 12,” she explained, adding: “Hopefully for Kate she will be absolutely fine and she will recover well and go on to live a long and happy life with her family.
“I just think of the children at this time and my heart goes out to them.”
The Princess of Wales has faced intense public speculation and a social media frenzy about her health since she underwent major surgery in January.
“Social media has a lot to answer for,” said Ms Hood.
Windsor resident Edward Bailey called online conspiracy theories surrounding the Princess sad
Edward Bailey said he follows the Royal Family on Instagram and saw Catherine’s video statement there.
He said he thought it was “very sad in that situation that she had to come out and say it so soon”, adding: “When really she just wanted to keep it private for a longer period.”
He added that he had been “fortunate” to meet Catherine last summer at King Charles’ coronation party, when she came down to the Long Walk.
The Windsor resident said he thought “conspiracy theories that have been going around” were “quite sad” and “brought an extra layer of empathy for her – and the family”.
Watch: The full video message from the Princess of Wales
Rachel Vallencourt, arrived in Windsor on Saturday morning after travelling to the UK from Boston, in the US.
Describing herself as an “avid royal watcher”, she said: “[It’s] very surreal and very sad for Kate and the whole family.
“I can only imagine what they’re all going through and, having two young kids myself, I don’t know how she’s able to have those conversations.”
She added that it was “lovely” to hear the Princess of Wales sounding positive in her video statement.
Sharon, who also lives in the Berkshire town, said she “just felt very sad for her because she is going through all of this in the glare of the public”, adding: “It must be very, very difficult for her.
“When you’ve got somebody in your family that is going through cancer, you’ve got to think about how you’re going to tell everybody else.
“It’s nothing to do with any of the public, her children are the number one priority and she had to think of them before she thought about what anybody else needs to know.”
Kaya Waters believes Catherine’s positive attitude and support from family will help her with her recovery
In Bucklebury, where the Princess of Wales grew up and where her parents still live, residents expressed admiration for the strength she showed in her video message.
“I think she’s very brave to do what she did. It’s not easy to talk about it,” said John Dugdale, who referred to Catherine as “a local girl”.
Kaya Waters believes Catherine’s positive attitude and support from family will help her with her recovery.
Ms Waters’ husband Aiden died from cancer last year. He was 30 years old.
“Having a positive mental attitude helps with those situations massively,” she said.
