Kate Middleton and William break their silence with a new message

TThe Prince and Princess of Wales have been “deeply touched” by the outpouring of support and continue to ask for privacy in a new statement in response to Kate Middleton's announcement on Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment.

“The Prince and Princess have been hugely touched by the kind messages people have sent here in the UK, across the Commonwealth, and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’s letter,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson told TIME in an email on Sunday. “They have been extremely touched by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful that their request for privacy is understood at this time.”

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The statement was issued in response to a global outpouring of well-wishes, love and support following the revelation of Kate's cancer diagnosis, which followed questions about her health after she was hospitalized for two weeks for a planned abdominal surgery in January. Post-op test results revealed the presence of cancer, and she began “preventive chemotherapy” in late February.

In her video announcement, Kate said she and her husband were doing everything they could to address and manage this privately for the sake of our young family, including taking time to recover from her major surgery to begin treatment and “most importantly” to explain everything to their three children before the news became public.The children are now away from school over the Easter break.

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The latest statement from Kensington Palace reiterated the call for privacy in Kate's original announcement, as the family came under intense public and media scrutiny in the weeks leading up to the announcement.

“We hope you understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” Kate said in her video message. “My work has always brought me a deep sense of happiness, and I look forward to returning when I am able to. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.”