Internet heartbroken to learn that Kate Middleton once donated seven inches of her hair for children with cancer

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Kate Middleton—who previously donated her hair to young patients diagnosed with cancer—bravely revealed that she had cancer in a moving and poignant video message that was made public on Friday, March 22.

In an emotional video, Kate revealed that she was receiving preventative chemotherapy and said that her diagnosis was a "huge shock." She reportedly began her preventative chemotherapy treatment in February.

The Princess, who had an unrelated abdominal surgery before her cancer was discovered, has long been a patron of several cancer charities, per Daily Mail.

Princess of Wales donated hair to be used in wigs for child cancer patients

The future queen even chopped off seven inches of her own hair in 2018 to donate to the Little Princess Trust, a nonprofit that provides youngsters with cancer treatment-related hair loss with lifelike wigs.

Hairstylist Joey Wheeler, who later worked for Richard Ward Hair in Chelsea, is believed to have suggested the idea to the Duchess after she had her hair trimmed at Kensington Palace.

Helen Creese, a representative for the charity, told PEOPLE at the time, "It's lovely to think that somebody, somewhere—probably more than one person—has received a wig containing Princess Kate's hair."

"It's a really lovely thought and it's fantastic for raising awareness, plus it's gorgeous hair -- we all lust after that hair!"

Kate Middleton helped cancer patients before her own diagnosis

In 2011, Kate and her husband, Prince William, launched Oak Center for Children and Young People, a pediatric cancer unit at South London's Royal Marsden, per Entertainment Tonight.

Later, Kate sent a contemplative letter to nine-year-old Fabian Bate she had met during her visit. Kate wrote a note to Fabian, complimenting his "strength of character" and assured him that he "couldn't be in better hands" while he was battling.

Two years after donating hair, Kate thrilled Mila Sneddon, a young cancer patient, when she sported a pink dress to meet her.

The princess had promised Mila over the phone the year before that she would wear a pink dress when they finally met in person, so the costume was in keeping with that promise.

Later, on March 22, Kate—the Royal Patron of East Anglia Children's Hospices—announced her own cancer diagnosis, making careful to give credit to everyone else who is also fighting the illness.

In her video announcement, she stated, "At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone."

Internet hails Princess of Wales for being 'such a strong person'

Following Kate's revealing of her cancer diagnosis, Internet users took to X (formerly Twitter) to hail the Princess of Wales' strong and brave attitude.

One such X user hailed and said, "This is incredibly brave of you to share after these past few months. My thoughts are with you and your family Catherine. We love you"

A second one said, "You are such a strong person, Catherine! I’m so sorry that people can just not give you the respect and privacy you have asked for. I will pray for all of you and I hope now you can get that space you need to heal."

"Hopefully all the jokes/speculation on here will stop now. Very best wishes to you and your family," added a third one.

One more praised Kate for her bravery and said, "Ma’am, as member of the public and great supporter of The Royal Family: All the best wishes for a speedy recovery. I know you’ll be okay. This video so brave of Your Royal Highness."

"I got so emotional over this. She is so classy and strong. Sending her heartfelt prayers and I sincerely hope her wish and right to for privacy is respected," added another one.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.