By Michael CrooksTuesday 10 Sep 2024NewsReading Time: 4 minutes
The Princess of Wales has revealed in an emotional family video that she has finished her chemotherapy.
Key Points:
- “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.”
- Kate’s focus is now to stay cancer free, while returning to public duties.
- “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling,” Kate shares
Kate had revealed in March that she was battling cancer.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Princess Kate, 42, says in the video.
“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.”
“Being loved”
In the video message, Kate is seen with her family – husband Prince William and the couple’s children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and 6-year-old Prince Louis – in the countryside near their home in Norfolk, in England’s east.
In the message, which was released on Monday in the UK, the Princess describes how her cancer journey has been “complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone,” especially “those closest” to her.
“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,”
“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,” she said
Kate added that her cancer fight has helped her and her husband narrow down the “simple things” in what for them is a very public and demanding life.
“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,” she said.
“Of simply loving and being loved.”
Precious moments
In the video, Kate is seen enjoying various activities with her husband and children, including pushing Prince Louis on a swing.
At one point she is seen with her family playing a card game with her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.
“Of simply loving and being loved.”
And in one poignant scene at the end, a butterfly flies off from Kate’s hands.
Recovery and hope
Kate’s focus is now to stay cancer free, while returning to public duties.
“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,” she says.
“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.”
It is expected that the Princess will attend the Remembrance Day service in London in November.
“…I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life”.
Hope for others
Finally in the video, Kate extends her gratitude for the support she has received, from which she and William drew strength.
“Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling,” she says.
“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.”
Cancer diagnosis
Kate revealed she was battling cancer in March, two months after undergoing abdominal surgery. (The type of cancer has not been revealed.)
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” she said in a video statement at the time.
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
King’s show of support
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that King Charles, who is also undergoing treatment for cancer, and Queen Camilla, found it “wonderful” that Kate had finished her chemotherapy.
The King and Queen “do of course consider the details in today’s announcement to be wonderful news and will continue to offer all love, thoughts, and support to the princess on her continued path to full recovery,” said the spokesperson.
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