PRINCESS Kate today revealed she has finished chemotherapy and is now focusing on being “cancer free” in a heartwarming family video.
The royal, 42, said she was “so grateful” for the support she has received and vowed to remain “side by side” with those still on their own cancer journey.
Kate, who revealed her diagnosis in March, shared a poignant video that shows her playing with Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in Norfolk.
She said: “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. 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.
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
It comes as:
- The Princess of Wales is “looking forward to getting back to work“
- Both Kate and William are “grateful” for the support they have received
- Touching video of the family is shared as they play on the beach
- Events Kate is expected to attend revealed
“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.”
Kate also told how “doing what I can to stay cancer free” was now her focus as she revealed the road to recovery is still long.
But she said she was “looking forward” to being back at work and taking on a few more public engagements in the coming months.
It is also understood she will join her family at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday as she slowly returns to public duties.
This will include light duties later in the year, as well as planning her her annual carol service.
Kate said: “Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.
“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.”
Kate revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer in a brave video message in March.
She said the diagnosis had come as a “huge shock” – but vowed: “I am well and getting stronger every day”.
At the time, Kate had been absent from official events following major abdominal surgery in January.
She said she initially had no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been “present”.
Sitting on a bench at Windsor for the poignant clip, the royal thanked her husband Prince William for his support.
Her voice also cracked as she said she has broken the news to George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis.
Kate added: “This of course came as a huge shock. William and I have been doing everything I can to process this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine this has taken time. It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“Most importantly it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
Jan 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
Jan 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
Jan 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
Jan 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
Jan 29: Kate leaves hospital
Feb 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
Mar 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King’s Birthday Parade
June 15: Kate beams as she joins her family at the annual Trooping the Colour event
July 14: The royal attends Wimbledon with sister Pippa and Princess Charlotte to hand out trophies to players
July 15: Kate shares a touching photo of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watching England in the Euro 2024 final
August 11: She joins a bearded Prince William in a video to congratulate Team GB in the Olympics
September 9: Kate reveals her treatment for cancer has finished
The diagnosis was the second cancer shock to hit the royal family in as many months after King Charles revealed he was also undergoing treatment.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed she started a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February.
It was also announced she would not be returning to public duties for the foreseeable future.
But the brave princess made an appearance at at the annual Trooping the Colour parade in June.
Kate said at the time she was “not out of the woods yet”, and had “good days and bad days”.
Fans erupted in cheers as she stood side by side with King Charles on the balcony at Buckingham Palace in her first public appearance since Christmas.
Kate's journey is a tale of two videos - fans will be delighted she is coming back, says Sun's Royal Editor
By Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor
The Princess of Wales has delivered the news that everyone has been waiting for – she has finished her round of cancer treatment and will return to a programme of light public engagements.
And she has delivered this news in such a wonderful way with a video message showing her smiling, healthy and enjoying life with William and their children.
It is a tale of two videos in many ways. Back in March she told the world in an emotional video – that made many viewers cry – that she was having preventative cancer treatment saying it was a ‘huge shock’ but she needed to be with her family and said asked for time as we wanted to ‘focus on making a full recovery’
And this new video announcement might make people cry yet again. But this time with happiness as she is surrounded by William, her three children and parents Michael and Carole.
She explains her ‘relief’ at completing chemotherapy treatment and describes how her family has navigated ‘stormy waters’ of what she says was ‘complex, scary and unpredictable’ struggle.
She speaks of her cancer treatment helping her reflect on most important things in life which includes she says of ‘simply loving and being loved’
In her own words she says she is taking each day as it comes” and describes ‘renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life’.
And tells other cancer sufferers that she is by their side.
Now, while we have this wonderful announcement and footage, won’t see the Princess of Wales at any engagements this week but her return to light duties will not be far off.
As I say, it will be a light programme while she continues her recovery in her own words she says she wants to remain cancer free.
Her intention is to appear at Armistice Day commemorations supporting her family and war heroes in November and her Christmas Carol concert in December.
But also think we will see her before that – supporting causes close to her heart.
It was back in February that Kate was diagnosed with cancer. It has been a long struggle and she has been blown away by the support she has received.
In her update the princess has not announced what type of cancer nor what stage it was.
But her return to a handful of engagements is expected to continue until the end of the year.
And if she remains cancer free, use that as a springboard into 2025 when she can put a tough year behind her and a more rigorous and full programme will be in place.
Kate also joined her sister Pippa and Princess Charlotte at Wimbledon on July 14.
The royal, who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, beamed as she handed out trophies to players.
She then delighted fans in August when she appeared alongside a bearded Prince William to congratulate Team GB in the Olympics.
Kate was last seen in public on August 25 when she spotted attending church in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Speaking about having to miss royal engagements following her diagnosis, Kate said: “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
“At this time I am also thinking of all those lives affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease in whatever form please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
Kate's cancer shows this disease does not discriminate - please get checked
Dr Zoe Williams, The Sun’s resident GP
IT’S wonderful news that the Princess of Wales has finished her chemotherapy treatment.
We all hope that Kate can look forward to a long and healthy life.
What the Princess’s case does highlight is that cancer does not discriminate, anyone can be affected, regardless of their age.
In fact, one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lifetimes.
While we must not live our lives in fear of cancer, it is a timely reminder that it is important to check ourselves and act if we notice anything untoward.
It sounds as though Kate’s cancer was identified at the right time, at a time when she was able to receive treatment.
Early diagnosis of cancer is vital, the earlier it is caught the greater your chance of receiving successful treatment.
If you don’t feel yourself, if you notice something has changed, don’t delay getting it checked out.
It’s fair to say that there are so many different types of cancer, and as a result so many different symptoms.
Sometimes, there aren’t any specific signs, other than not feeling right.
If you’re more fatigued than usual, if you notice you’re losing weight and don’t know why, if you spot any symptom that affects how your body works – a change in bowel habits, for example, or not passing urine properly – get it checked.
It could be a symptom that just doesn’t get better, generally if it’s cancer those niggling symptoms will get worse.
We all experience symptoms that might last a couple of weeks, like a cough or bloating.
But if these symptoms persist and appear to be getting worse, don’t hang about, see your GP.
The best defence we have against cancer is being vigilant with our bodies, and if we suspect something is wrong getting it checked out as soon as possible.
That, and making sure that when you are offered free cancer screening on the NHS, you take up the invite.
My thoughts are with Princess Kate, Prince William and their family after what must have been a terrible nine months.
And my thoughts, like Kate, are with all those affected by cancer.
