As crowds gathered to watch the changing of the guard in Windsor, it was clear the recent news of Princess Catherine's cancer diagnosis was fresh in everyone's mind.

On Friday, March 22, after weeks of speculation online about the Princess's health and wellbeing following her abdominal surgery in January, a Royal announcement was made.

The news, released in the form of a video of Princess Catherine, shared how initially it was thought that her condition wasn't cancerous.

Princess Catherine said: “The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time.”

However, she added: “I am well and getting stronger every day.”

Susan, who was visiting Windsor from Slough, said: "Best wishes to her. It is not easy for her, especially as a mum. Hopefully she will be okay."

Jess Allan, 48, from Windsor, went through a similar situation last year when she went in for abdominal surgery and left with a cancer diagnosis.

"It is enormous for them to be going through that. They are managing it well and I can't imagine going through it with the amount of scrutiny they are getting.

"I have a huge amount of respect for the grace and dignity that she gave the announcement."

Speaking about her own diagnosis, Jess said: "It was horrible breaking it to the family. The worst part was thinking about the impact it will have on family."

David Whittington, 58, from Slough, said: "As a fellow cancer sufferer I would like to send all my well wishes to her.

"We know what she is going through. It was hard breaking the news to the family."

David was "stunned" at his cancer diagnosis which was given after he reported a lump in his chest to his doctor. He is now cancer-free.

"It was unfair what happened online," he added. 

Many others have wished the Princess well and have echoed their disgust at the online torrent of conspiracies.

Tammy Rolfe, 45, from Iver Heath, said: "I thought it was very sad on social media. There was so much speculation and I think it is awful to have to go through that when you are going through such an awful experience."

Megan Garlinge, 32, from Windsor, added: "We just wish them all the best and a speedy recovery. 

"They need their privacy and she was forced to share. You could see [in the video] that she was upset."

Meanwhile, Jackie from Greenford, who was visiting the theatre with Andrew, said: "Of course everyone wishes her well, but I work with people who have cancer and they go unheard. She is lucky to have the money for the best treatment."

After King Charles III revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer in February, the NHS reported a 51 per cent increase in searches for NHS cancer advice.

Andrew was amongst those who went and got checked following the news.

He added: "We should also think about all the other people who are suffering."