Catherine, Princess of Wales, has announced that she has completed her chemotherapy and is “doing what I can to stay cancer-free,” as she gradually plans to return to public life over the coming months.
In a highly personal video released Monday, Catherine, who is also known as Kate, revealed she is entering a “new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.” The Princess, who was diagnosed with cancer in March, expressed relief at having finished her chemotherapy. “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” said Kate, 42, wife of Prince William, the heir to the British throne.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus,” she continued. “Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”
In a video message, Kate, William, and their three children — Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George — are seen enjoying family moments, walking through forests, picnicking, playing on sand dunes, and wading in the sea. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” she said. “The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
Reflecting on her experience, Catherine added, “This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted — of simply loving and being loved.” She mentioned that she is looking forward to returning to work and will be “undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can,” while keeping a light schedule to allow for full recovery.
Kate is expected to attend the annual Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in London in November, where she will honor those who have served in war.
Her cancer diagnosis, revealed in March, followed her major abdominal surgery shortly after Christmas. Initially, Kensington Palace had described the surgery as being for a non-cancerous condition, but Kate later clarified the situation in her video message. Her announcement stunned the country, as it came just weeks after King Charles III disclosed his own cancer diagnosis.
Kate explained that she had been advised to undergo a course of “preventative” chemotherapy. “Preventative chemotherapy is often used after surgery as an ‘adjuvant’ therapy, to weaken the chances of cancer returning,” Dr. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, previously told CNN.
The Princess has made limited public appearances since her diagnosis, but in July, she attended the Wimbledon men’s singles final with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, where she received a standing ovation from the crowd at Centre Court. King Charles III and Queen Camilla have expressed their support for Catherine, welcoming her announcement as “wonderful news” and pledging to “continue to offer all love, thoughts, and support to the princess on her continued path to full recovery,” a royal source told CNN.
