The nation has united behind Princess Kate with a massive surge of support for her after she revealed her shocking cancer diagnosis.

Celebrities, politicians and the British public have all sent the Princess of Wales their best wishes and vowed to pray for her recovery - after Kate said that she was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy following her January visit to hospital for abdominal surgery.

People across the UK and around the world gathered to watch and read the announcement. Many of whom were spotted outside Buckingham Palace reading the news on their mobile phones with looks of shock and concern.

Paula Hudgell, the mother of Tony Hudgell who was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago and met Kate when she visited the Evelina London Children's Hospital in December, sent the princess her prayers and advised her to 'take each day as it comes'.

Rishi Sunak led messages of support for the Princess of Wales from across the political spectrum after she announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

And Giovanna Fletcher and Dr Alex George were among the celebrities who have met the Princess of Wales and were sending her well-wishes after her cancer diagnosis announcement.

A group of people outside Buckingham Palace reacting to Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis

One woman appeared to be wiping a tear from her eyes as she was looking at her phone as the news broke

One woman also appeared to be wiping a tear from her eyes as she was looking at her phone as the news broke.

Meanwhile, other people were out for Friday night drinks in the pub when the news broke. They were pictured stopping their conversations to watch the Princess of Wales on the television.

In one pub in London, a man and woman could be seen embracing during the announcement.

Since the shock announcement broke, members of the public have also been spotted gathering outside the royal palaces in London. A crowd of people have congregated outside Buckingham Palace.

Other people are outside Kensington Palace, the official residency of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

A woman said the news was 'incredibly sad'. 'Whenever anybody gets cancer it's a horrible thing to hear and I can only imagine what her family is going through right now.

'I hope they can do everything that they can for her and she's able to recover.'

Members of the press have also gathered outside the palaces to provide updates this evening for news channels across the world.

The Prime Minister praised Kate's 'tremendous bravery' after she revealed that she had been diagnosed with the disease and was in the early stages of chemotherapy following mounting speculation about her health.

He said the royal has 'the love and support of the whole country' and called for her to be given privacy as she continues treatment, criticising the 'intense scrutiny' she has been subjected to in recent weeks.

In a statement released shortly after Kate's announcement, the PM said: 'My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales, the royal family and in particular her three children at this difficult time. The Princess of Wales has the love and support of the whole country as she continues her recovery.

'She has shown tremendous bravery with her statement today. In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.

'When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.

'I know I speak for the whole country in wishing her a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in action when she's ready.'

French President Emmanuel Macron said the Princess of Wales's 'strength and resilience inspire us all'.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Macron wrote: 'Your Highness,

'In this difficult period you are going through, Brigitte and I wish you a full recovery.

'Your strength and resilience inspire us all.'

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared a message for The Princess of Wales on X, formerly Twitter.

He wrote: 'Wishing Catherine, The Princess of Wales all possible strength and sending good wishes to her and her family for a full and rapid recovery.'

Author and podcast host Giovanna Fletcher was among those commenting on the video, after Kate appeared on her parenting podcast titled Happy Mum, Happy Baby, in 2020.

'Sending you and the family so much love from me and mine,' Fletcher, who is married to McFly star Tom, said.

In a later Instagram post, she added: 'Words fail me. The speculation. The conspiracies. The entitlement.

'So much going on in her world, in her heart. So much happening that she wants to navigate carefully to protect her young children. Yet she's forced to take time away from that because of the unnecessary noise from 'caring' strangers.

'The Princess of Wales has always led with dignity, grace and compassion. Working alongside her always gives the greatest lessons in how to care. How to listen. How to 'human'.

'I'm thinking of our future Queen and hope she can now be left with nothing but everyone's good wishes as she continues her treatment and surrounds herself with the love of her family.'

Since the news was announced a group of people have congregated outside Buckingham Palace

Rishi Sunak tonight wished Princess Kate a 'full and speedy' recovery after her shock cancer diagnosis

During their candid podcast discussion about parenthood, Kate described herself as a 'hands-on mum' to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, but admitted she often struggled from 'mum guilt'.

Meanwhile former Love Island contestant Dr Alex, now a TV doctor campaigning on mental health issues who hosted a panel discussion with William and Kate last year, was among those wishing Kate a 'speedy recovery'.

In a statement posted on Instagram, he said: 'The Princess of Wales left a real impression on me when we met for World Mental Health Day.

'I have met so many people who talk about mental health over the years, I have come to learn who talks the talk, and who walks the walk. The Princess is a stomper. A real good egg.

'It's been pretty shocking to see the level of intrusion over the last few weeks and months, you can only imagine the effect on this person's mental health. I hope today's announcement and brave message from HRH is a lesson that's learnt from. We have to learn and grow as a society.

'As I am sure you all do, I wish the Princess a good and full recovery from her cancer and I hope when ready, HRH will be with us on the front line, fighting for mental health and our young people once again.

'Just remember, be kind. You never know what challenges someone is facing, or the battles they are trying to overcome. You got this, Your Royal Highness.'

The panel was part of a day of workshops and discussions to mark World Mental Health Day, as the royal couple launched the next phase of their campaign to support the nation's mental health.

Former reality TV contestant Dr Alex has been an advocate for mental health following the death of his 19-year-old brother Llyr in July 2020.

While fellow Love Island star Zara McDermott, who now fronts BBC Three documentaries, also worked alongside Kate last year as part of the royal's Shaping Us campaign - highlighting the importance of early years development.

'Sending HRH Princess of Wales so much strength and love during this time,' McDermott said on her Instagram stories.

'What an incredible woman she is; I know how it feels to be one of those young children and having your parents try to explain to you what is wrong with mummy through cancer diagnosis and treatment. Your strength is inspiring.'

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden said the news from Kate had 'personally hit me hard', after she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and received chemotherapy treatment.

'Thinking so much about our Princess, Cancer doesn't discriminate,' she said on Instagram.

'There's no textbook, right or wrong way to deal with a diagnosis and treatment. It's personal and I really hope all can #bekind and support our Princess.

'I was lucky enough to meet The Princess of Wales during my treatment who was so kind, supportive and generous of time.

'Sending all my well wishes with treatment ahead and as always to all those affected by cancer.'

Dowden revealed that 'no evidence of disease' was found during a health check last month, but she will not receive the 'all clear' for five years due to her type of cancer.

TV star and musician Myleene Klass, who has had encounters with different members of the royal family over the years through her music and campaigning efforts, also sent well-wishes to Kate.

'What an incredibly brave statement to personally make at such a vulnerable, frightening time for her and her family. Wishing you all love,' she said on Instagram stories.

Politicians followed the PM in offering their best wishes to Kate. Home Secretary James Cleverly said: 'Hoping that she has a speedy and complete recovery and privacy and calm while she does.'

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: 'All my thoughts and prayers are with our courageous Princess of Wales.

'Such incredibly tough news to break to three young children - let's give them the space and privacy they need to protect their family and focus on getting better.'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the princess has 'the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too' during this 'distressing time'.

The Labour leader also condemned 'lurid speculation' that has surrounded her condition saying: 'Any cancer diagnosis is shocking. But I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we've seen in recent weeks.

'Their Royal Highnesses are entitled to privacy and, like any parents, will have waited to choose the right moment to tell their children.

'I am heartened by The Princess of Wales' optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope. Her Royal Highness will be in our thoughts and prayers as she progresses through her treatment with the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too.'

'I am heartened by The Princess of Wales' optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope. Her Royal Highness will be in our thoughts and prayers as she progresses through her treatment with the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too.'

Former prime minister Liz Truss said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: 'My thoughts are with the Princess of Wales and her family at this very difficult time. The entire country will be wishing her a full and speedy recovery.'

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf said: 'I'm deeply saddened to hear the news about the Princess of Wales/Duchess of Rothesay. I am praying for her swift recovery.

'I am heartened by The Princess of Wales' optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope. Her Royal Highness will be in our thoughts and prayers as she progresses through her treatment with the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too.'Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf said: 'I'm deeply saddened to hear the news about the Princess of Wales/Duchess of Rothesay. I am praying for her swift recovery.

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf said: 'I'm deeply saddened to hear the news about the Princess of Wales/Duchess of Rothesay. I am praying for her swift recovery.

'It must be an incredibly difficult time for the whole family. Royalty or otherwise, she has a right to privacy, which I hope will be respected.'

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'What sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with the Princess of Wales tonight.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent well wishes on behalf of the House and said Kate's candour would make a difference to others facing their own battle against cancer

'Liberal Democrats join the whole country in wishing her a speedy recovery and hope the Royal Family will be given space and privacy at this difficult time.'

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle sent well wishes on behalf of the House and said Kate's candour would make a difference to others facing their own battle against cancer.

He said in a statement: 'The Princess of Wales has been incredibly brave in revealing her cancer diagnosis and I am sure her candour will make such a difference to all those facing this dreadful disease.

'On behalf of the House of Commons, I would like to send my best wishes to Catherine and her family and hope she will be back to full health very soon.'

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: 'We all know the suffering and distress that a cancer diagnosis brings to individuals, their families and friends.

'I wish Kate well in her battle, and have no doubt that her words will be of comfort and support to others facing their own.'

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: 'Incredibly moved by the bravery of Her Royal Highness.

'At this extremely difficult time, her message to others affected by cancer will mean so much to so many.

'Wishing The Princess of Wales, and the whole Royal Family, the very best in recovery.

'May all respect their privacy.'

US actress and X-Men star Olivia Munn, who last week revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in the hope it will help others to 'find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey', also commented on Kate's social media video

US actress and X-Men star Olivia Munn, who last week revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in the hope it will help others to 'find comfort, inspiration and support on their own journey', also commented on Kate's social media video.

'Thank you for showing what it's like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best,' she said.

While Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones shared a picture of Kate on Instagram, writing: 'Wales and the World is with you. HRH Princess of Wales. Love to you always.'

There was also an apology from Hollywood actress Blake Lively, who had seemingly mocked Kate after she issued a personal apology for manipulating a family photograph, sparking conspiracy theories about her whereabouts.

Referencing a now-deleted Instagram post, Lively said: 'I'm sure no one cares today but I feel like I have to acknowledge this.

'I made a silly post around the 'photoshop fails' frenzy, and oh man, that post has me mortified today. I'm sorry. Sending love and well wishes to all, always.'