by Mick the Ram

In a moving video message released by Kensington Palace, the Princess of Wales has spoken of her relief at completing her course of chemotherapy.

In what is a surprisingly open communication shot in a wooded area with her husband Prince William and their three children, Catherine explained that her treatment had come to an end, but also remained cautious in saying she still had some way to go to return to full health.

The princess revealed in March that she had cancer only a few weeks after King Charles III had also announced he too had been given a similar diagnosis; although neither have since specified precisely which type they have.

She will be carrying out a few engagements this year, but there is a long road still to go. But palace sources also emphasise that there is still a long way to a full return and that the princess will make her health her main focus for the next few months.

Kensington Palace has indicated it is not possible at this stage to say whether she is cancer-free, but the message from Kate did indicate that she hopes to return to limited public engagements in the  coming months.

Difficult time for the family

Catherine has been in recovery and away from public duties for much of what has been a very difficult year for all of the royal family.

Her health problems came to the public’s attention right at the start of 2024 when she was taken into hospital for what was an unspecified type of abdominal surgery.

Chemotherapy revealed

Then in March a cancer diagnosis was revealed, also delivered by the princess in a very personal and open video. In it she revealed how it had come as a “huge shock” after an “incredibly tough couple of months.”

She explained that she was set to undergo preventative chemotherapy treatment on the advice of her medical team and would need privacy while she recovered.

Early signs of recovery

She was completely out of the public eye for a while and speculation mounted at times with regards to her condition.

However, when she appeared at the Trooping the Colour in June, and waved from the Buckingham Palace balcony, it eased a lot of concerns around the country.

Standing ovation

Another message followed, in which she was able to offer a lot more optimism, and then when she attended the men’s singles final at Wimbledon in July, she looked a lot more like herself.

She was visibly moved by the standing ovation she was given, in the company of her nine-year-old daughter, Charlotte and sister Pippa.

Her two sons – George, 11 and Louis, 6 – have been kept away from the spotlight throughout Catherine’s treatment, but were very much a part of the video released announcing the latest developments.

Life changed in an instant

The Princess said her focus will now be on staying cancer-free after admitting how relieved she was to complete her course of treatment, following an “incredibly tough” nine months for all of her family.

She opened by saying: “Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”

Time of reflection

Continuing, the princess made the point that a cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictablefor everyone, “especially those closest to you,” she said.

She added that both her husband, William, and herself, had reflected during the difficult time and would be grateful for the “simple yet important things in life,” moving forward; which included simply “loving and being loved”, which she said many people take for granted.

She confessed that her situation had, “with humility” brought her face to face with her own vulnerabilities in a way that she had never considered before, and with it, “a new perspective on everything,” but nevertheless, with a “renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”

Looking forward to getting back to work – gradually

Being careful not to get ahead of herself, Kate stressed that although the chemotherapy had ended, her path to healing and full recovery would still be a long one and as such, she would need to continue to “take each day as it comes.”

She did however allow herself to say how much she was looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements over the coming months – where possible.

Massive thank you for kindness and support

Closing her message, Catherine thanked everyone for their support, adding that the family had been able to drawn great strength from it.

“Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling, so to all those who are continuing their own cancer journey, I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand.

“Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”