PRINCESS Kate has shared an adorable video of her children on a picnic and playing games with the Middletons during a family holiday in Norfolk.
The Princess of Wales, 42, has given an insight into her family’s private life and revealed she has completed her chemotherapy treatment.
The footage begins with the family walking in a forest with Kate, who does the voiceover.
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’ve had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
Kate delivered the news we've all been waiting for
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.
The Princess of Wales first announced she had an unspecified cancer in March.
She added: “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’ve never considered before and with that a new perspective on everything.”
“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. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus.”
The touching footage shows the family enjoying a walk in woodland, sitting down for a picnic in a field and sharing time with Kate’s parents.
Kate went on to say although she has finished chemo “my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes”.
She said: “I am, however, looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
“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.”
In a touching final message, Kate added: “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side.”
It comes as:
- Princess Kate reveals she has finished chemotherapy and is focused on being “cancer free”
- 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
Kate will appear at some engagements in the coming months including charity events that are close to her heart, it is understood.
She is also expected to support doting husband Wills in his public appearances, such as at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
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: Kate attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family
July 14: Kate attended the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Princess Charlotte
It comes as Kensington Palace reveal Kate has already started to work from home on some projects.
In the touching video, Kate also spoke of her relief as she lay her head on William’s shoulder.
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, Charlotte, and Louis.
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.