A NATION TOUCHED BY KATE'S COURAGE

Brave Princess wins worldwide admiration for poignant video

- Jon Coates

THE PRINCESS of Wales has "astounded" those close to her with the courage and dignity she displayed in revealing her cancer diagnosis to the world.

As messages of support poured in - from world leaders, film and TV stars, and other cancer sufferers - they praised her inner strength.

Well-wishers moved by her video announcement on Friday night flocked to Windsor Castle yesterday to leave flowers and say a silent prayer for Kate.

A well-placed royal insider said she has impressed her own family and every member of the Royal household since she was first admitted to hospital 10 weeks ago. They have expressed "immense pride" at how she has coped with everything that has been thrown at her.

The royal source said: "The video message was an extremely courageous thing for her to share. To have been through so many personal hurdles in the past few weeks and then to have addressed the nation in the way she did is astounding.

"Her family and those who work with her are full of admiration for her 100 per cent of us."

Kate and devoted husband Prince William, 41, last night said they had been "enormously touched" following the outpouring of emotion from the UK and around the world, after she announced on Friday she was undergoing chemotherapy.

Last night, Kensington Palace issued a special message of thanks from the couple, who have three children, George, 10, Charlotte, eight and Prince Louis, five.

A spokesman said: "The Prince and Princess are enormously touched by the kind messages from people in the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness's 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."