'Upset' Princess Kate wrote every word of cancer video speech as 'she felt she had to'

Princess Kate announces she is being treated for cancer

Princess Kate wrote her cancer speech by herself and "very quickly" in a bid to stem the tide of gossip and speculation, a friend of the royal has said.

The Sunday Times reports the pal as saying: "It wasn't really about the drama of the last few weeks, though obviously that has been upsetting.

"She felt she had to do it because of who she is. It was more that she knows she is a public figure and has a wider leadership responsibility. It was all her. She wrote every word of it. It came together very quickly."

The pal added the speech allowed Kate to reach out to a supportive public who do not subscribe to the gossip and conspiracy theories, which have dominated social media since the princess withdrew from royal duties after planned abdominal surgery in January.

The revelation comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be "enormously touched" and "extremely moved" by the public's warmth and support after Kate's cancer announcement.

Kate, 42, revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy in an emotional video message on Friday.  

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Princess Kate wrote her speech 'very quickly' a friend of the royal says (Image: Getty)

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the prince and princess are "both enormously touched" by the "kind" messages from people  in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness' message.

They added: "They are extremely moved by the public's warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time."

The prince, princess and their three children will not attend next week's Easter service. It is not likely to be a large family gathering or service, according to The Telegraph, as King Charles has paused public-facing royal duties.

King Charles, 75, who has also been diagnosed with cancer, may attend a smaller version of the annual service at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel alongside Queen Camilla if his health allows.

A source close to William and Kate bemoaned the "misinformation" surrounding the princess's health and hoped the announcement would bring an end to the unpleasant rumours.

It is believed Kate made the decision to reveal the diagnosis herself with full backing from William. However, he reportedly felt regret she felt compelled to do it.

In the unprecedented video message, Kate spoke about the "huge shock" felt after tests identified cancer following the surgery and the "incredibly tough couple of months" her family have experienced. Her voice cracked with emotion at times during the footage.

It is understood the video message, recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, was released on the day William and Kate's children began their Easter school holidays, to take advantage of the break to shield them from coverage of their mother's health.