Harry and Meghan lead messages of support for Princess Kate

Harry and Meghan have reportedly reached out to Prince William and Princess Kate after her shock cancer diagnosis.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a short statement two hours after the news broke, saying: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

It is understood the couple ‘privately’ reached out to William and Kate in the hours after the princess’ brave address was published.

It is not clear if the contact was a phone, video call or some messages of support.

The possibility of whether Harry would fly back to the UK is not known.

It was also claimed in the United States that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex only learnt about Kate’s condition at the same time the world heard the news.

In addition, sources also told the New York Post that the couple had “no idea” about Kate’s illness.

The contact between the two brothers was disclosed by ITV Royal Editor Chris Ship.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, has previously described Kate as the “big sister I never had” when she became engaged to William 11 years ago.

However, his relationship with the Prince and Princess of Wales has fractured following the bitter aftermath of Megxit.

Kate last met Harry after the Queen’s death in September 2022, when they joined their spouses on a walkabout in Windsor.

Last week, the rift between William and Harry was more than evident as the brothers made duelling appearances at a memorial event for their mother Princess Diana, with William leaving the ceremony before Harry joined via videolink.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed Kate’s “tremendous bravery’”

He condemned those who have spread conspiracy theories, adding: “In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.

“I know I speak for the whole country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in action when she’s ready.”

Well-wishers from around the world joined politicians, sports stars, celebrities and medics in sending messages of support, while cancer experts said Kate’s powerful video message would undoubtedly help other families fighting the disease.

The NHS’s chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, praised the princess, saying: “We know how difficult a diagnosis and treatment journey can be for patients and their families.

Speaking out about it is really brave and it can help others to get worrying signs and symptoms checked.’

Leading oncologist Professor Pat Price, chairman of Radiotherapy UK, said Kate was ‘so brave’, telling BBC News: ‘She is amazing. Once [cancer] is caught early, that’s usually when we can cure it.’

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said she had ‘the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too.

‘I am heartened by The Princess of Wales’ optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope.’

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: ‘Such incredibly tough news to break to three young children – let’s give them the space and privacy they need to protect their family and focus on getting better.’

The Church of England issued a prayer for Kate’s ‘continued recovery’, and the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent well wishes on behalf of the House, adding that Kate’s ‘candour will make such a difference to all those facing this dreadful disease’.

At the White House, President Joe Biden’s Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: ‘All of us just heard the terrible news.’

Addressing Kate by her previous title, she added: ‘Our thoughts are with the Duchess of Cambridge and her family members and friends during this incredibly difficult time and certainly we wish her a full recovery.’

The new First Minister in Cardiff, Vaughan Gething, sent the ‘love and support’ of the people of Wales, while Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s First Minister, and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill both wished the princess ‘a speedy recovery’.

Former prime minister and Daily Mail columnist Boris Johnson tweeted: ‘Wishing Catherine, The Princess of Wales all possible strength and sending good wishes to her and her family for a full and rapid recovery.’

Former Love Island contestant Dr Alex George, now a TV doctor campaigning on mental health issues who hosted a panel discussion with William and Kate last year, said: ‘You were so amazing when I met you for World Mental Health Day. I wish you a speedy recovery.’

Author and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher sent ‘so much love’. Kate appeared on Fletcher’s parenting podcast, Happy Mum Happy Baby, in 2020.

Dame Joan Collins said the nation will pray for the princess, adding: ‘She was very brave to make the announcement herself.’

News sites across the globe cleared their front pages. German tabloid Bild wrote ‘Cancer!’ in bold, while France’s Paris Match website reported Britain was ‘in shock’.