Kate Middleton Declared Cancer-Free After Completing Chemotherapy, Plans to Resume Limited Public Engagements

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has announced that she is “cancer free” after completing a course of chemotherapy and is planning to return to a limited schedule of public engagements in the coming months.

In a heartfelt video message released by Kensington Palace on Monday, Kate expressed her relief at having completed her preventive chemotherapy treatment after what she described as an “incredibly tough” and “scary” nine months for her and her family. “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus,” she said.

The princess acknowledged that her journey toward full recovery is far from over, noting that the “path to healing and full recovery is long” and that she must “continue to take each day as it comes.” She likened her experience to navigating “stormy waters” with an uncertain road ahead.

The palace released a three-minute video featuring Kate, Prince William and the couple’s three children taking walks and playing games. Picture: Will Warr/Kensington Palace/PA Wire

According to the palace, Kate has already begun working from home on certain projects and will gradually return to a “light programme of external engagements for the remainder of the year.”

In her statement, Kate reflected on the challenges her family has faced, stating, “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, can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”

She continued, “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.”

Kate also shared how the experience has led her and Prince William to “reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life,” such as “simply loving and being loved.”

While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, Kate expressed her optimism, saying, “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.”

A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales

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… pic.twitter.com/9S1W8sDHUL

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 9, 2024

She also offered words of encouragement to others battling cancer, stating, “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.”

Alongside the message, Kensington Palace released a three-minute video featuring Kate, Prince William, and their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, enjoying walks and playing games on a beach in Norfolk. The video was filmed last month, according to a palace spokesperson.

Kate first revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, shortly after her father-in-law, King Charles III, disclosed that he was also undergoing treatment for cancer. The king has since resumed some public duties.

On Monday, Kensington Palace declined to provide further details about the princess’s illness and treatment, citing her right to medical privacy. The palace also stated that they would not provide advance information about Kate’s public engagements, though she is expected to take part in a few as she gradually returns to her royal duties.

One of Kate’s anticipated public engagements includes supporting Prince William at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday in November. She is also involved in planning a carol service scheduled for December.

Decisions regarding the princess’s public engagements for the coming year will be made in accordance with medical advice.

Kate’s openness about her diagnosis and treatment, along with her candid reflections on the emotional challenges faced by her family, have been praised by experts in the cancer field.