Kate Middleton and Prince William Release New Joint Statement Following Cancer Announcement Video

After Kate Middleton, 42, shocked the world by revealing her cancer diagnosis in an emotional video posted on the Instagram page she shares with her husband on March 22, the Prince and Princess of Wales are speaking out for the first time with a new joint statement.

This past Sunday, a spokesperson from Kensington Palace exclusively told TIME that Princess Catherine and Prince William, 41, are grateful for the outpouring of support they’ve received following the announcement.

The official statement reads: “The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the U.K., across the Commonwealth, and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message. 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.”

Concern surrounding the princess’s health began after the royal family announced that the mother of three underwent planned abdominal surgery back in January.

At the time, Kensington Palace released a statement that read, “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in the hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”