Politicians and residents from across the North East have come together to offer their well wishes after the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis this evening.

The Princess of Wales has today (March 22) announced she is undergoing ‘preventative chemotherapy’ treatment for cancer.

She unveiled the shocking news in an emotional video message that was broadcast at 6pm.

Among those offering their well wishes were Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour opposition leader Keir Starmer, as well as North East MPs such as Dehenna Davison, Simon Clarke and Paul Howell AND local royal superfan Anita Atkinson.

Speaking to Anita after Kate's announcement, she said: "I'm watching it now, I'm still trying to process it. It's shocking, absolutely shocking.

"It shows you the woman that she is that she's thinking about others who've had a diagnosis like she's had.

"I cannot process it, what awful news for any family, but especially a woman who is world famous and everybody around the world has been speculating [about].

"I just want to wish her all the best and thank her for thinking of others.

"Good on her, very brave, well done Kate."

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Simon Clarke said: "We are all shocked to hear the news of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis.

"Her statement this evening is typically dignified and very moving. Kate has captured the hearts of our whole country and has performed her public duties with extraordinary grace and dedication.

"Our whole community will want to express our deep love and sympathy.

"Her privacy must be protected and the Royal Family, including His Majesty the King, deserve protecting at such an appallingly difficult time for what is ultimately - lest we forget - a family like any of ours."

Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison said she was inspired by the Princess’ show of strength in such daunting circumstances.

She said: "So saddened by this news, but inspired by the strength displayed by the Princess of Wales in this video.

"I hope that both she and HM The King make full and swift recoveries. Cancer is a terrible thing that has touched so many families.

"Together we must do all we can to beat it."

Sedgefield MP Paul Howell said: “Terrible news. I extend my heartfelt wishes for Princess Catherine's swift recovery following her recent cancer diagnosis.

“Her grace and resilience are an inspiration to us all. I am sure the whole country is praying for her and her young family at this time.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the Princess of Wales has “the love and support of the whole country” after she announced she is undergoing treatment for cancer.

Sir Keir Starmer said the Princess of Wales has “the love and support of not just her whole family, but the whole nation too” during this “distressing time”.

The Labour leader criticised “lurid speculation” in relation to Kate as he stressed that she was entitled to privacy as she continues her treatment.

He said in a statement: “On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I want to send my very best wishes to Her Royal Highness at this distressing time. Our thoughts are with the whole Royal Family as they come to terms with the news and as they support The Princess of Wales through her treatment and recovery.

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“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.”