The secret meaning behind the daffodils brave Princess Kate surrounded herself with when she revealed her cancer

Speaking about the heartbreaking diagnosis, Princess Kate said: "I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, personally, for all the understanding whilst I’ve been recovering from surgery.

"It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I have had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

"In January I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time it was thought my condition was non-cancerous.

"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. William and I have been doing everything we can to process this privately for the sake of our young family.

"As you can imagine this has taken time. It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.

"Most importantly it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.

"As I have said to them, I am well and I’m getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind body and spirit.

"Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too, as is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

"We hope that you will understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.