The Princess of Wales today revealed she has finished her course of ‘preventative chemotherapy’ following her health crisis earlier this year and plans to undertake a ‘light programme’ of public engagements over the coming months.
However she warns that ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus’ and admits that the last nine months have been a ‘scary and unpredictable’ time for her family.
The experience, Catherine says, has reminded her and her husband, Prince William, 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.’
The princess’ personal message to the nation is accompanied by a stunning three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, shot last month.
It shows the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children – and kissing.
While there is no official statement from Buckingham Palace, The King and Queen are understood to have greeted today’s announcement as ‘wonderful news’ and will continue to offer all love, thoughts and support to The Princess on her continued path to full recovery.
In an uplifting video message shared today, the Princess of Wales revealed she has finished her course of ‘preventative chemotherapy’
The princess’ personal message to the nation is accompanied by a stunning three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their three children
Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess – seen with William – expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice
The charming video that accompanied the message was shot last month
Catherine and William hug each other on a picnic blanket in an adorable moment from the video
Kate Middleton’s family featured in the emotional three-minute video
Princess Catherine’s mother Carole featured in the emotional video announcing the end of Kate’s cancer
In her message the princess says: ‘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.
‘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. ‘
Referring to her plans for the coming months, Catherine continues: ‘Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. 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. 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.’
And she ends it with a deeply moving and emotional message to fellow cancer patients and their families, saying: ‘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.’
Reacting to the video, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote on social media: ‘Pleased to hear the Princess of Wales has finished chemotherapy.
‘On behalf of the entire country, I send her my very best wishes for a full recovery.’
Palace source emphasised that while the princess is looking forward to undertaking a ‘handful’ of public engagements over the coming months, her focus is on being ‘cancer free’ and her journey to full recovery ‘is long’.
Her programme of engagements will be ‘light’ but is likely, as previously revealed by the Daily Mail, to including Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and other events around it.
She will not accompany Prince William to his Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town in November, emphasising she wanted to remain in the UK to support her young family for whom the year has been difficult too.
She has already started to work from home on ‘passion projects’ such as her early childhood programme and will continue to do so for the rest of the year.
A source stressed that the entire Wales family are ‘immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes they have received over the past nine months’ and are grateful to the media for its cooperation in affording her space and privacy.
Catherine spoke of her ‘relief’ at her programme of chemo finally coming to an end
The princess walks through the woods under dappled sunlight during the video released alongside her statement
Catherine appeared happy and relaxed in the video, which will delight her millions of supporters
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr
Princess Charlotte hugs their parents as they look out over a beach in Norfolk
Kate pictured behind the wheel as she reads her statement as a voiceover
The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Catherine has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy
The Cambridge children play in the sea during the video released today
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are featured regularly in the new video
Catherine and William lark around on the beach in a delightful scene from the video
The footage is one of the intimate insights into family life that Catherine and William have provided so far
Delightful scenes show the family enjoying each other’s company in nature
more videos
- 1
- 2
- 3
The princess was first admitted to hospital in January for what has only been described as planned abdominal surgery.
It was later discovered by doctors that cancer had been present and she embarked on her treatment in late February.
Read More
Why Kate's year has been tougher than anyone realises, but she's starting to glow again
Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice.
However sources told the Mail tonight that the Princess hopes to do a small number of engagements shining a light on some of the causes, issues and charities that are closest to her heart over the coming months.
They are only likely to be announced last minute as they will depend as and when Her Royal Highness feels able to carry them out, with sources stressing repeatedly that every ‘cancer journey is different’.
It is understood that she is also working with staff on plans for her annual carol concert in December.
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr.
The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Catherine has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy, particularly the sanctuary she has found in the natural world.
It also features her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who have been an unwavering source of support.
The Cambridges and their three children clamber over tree trunks near their Norfolk home
Prince Louis appeared his usual cheeky self during the charming family video
Louis brings his face to the camera as George and Catherine are seen in the background
Princess Charlotte was also seen several times during the footage
The Cambridge children run through the woods as William walks alongside them bouncing a tennis ball on a cricket bat
Catherine announced publicly five months ago that she had been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy.
‘I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,’ she said at the time, in a highly emotional and unprecedented video message.
The message followed the major abdominal surgery Catherine had in January, where she spent two weeks at the London Clinic in Marylebone.
She made her first public appearance since the bombshell announcement in June when she joined the Royal Family to celebrate the King’s official birthday.
Read More
EXCLUSIVE
Kate Middleton's collection of sustainable jewellery is growing… but guess who beat her to it?
Her appearance at Trooping of the Colour had been in doubt after she missed the final rehearsal the weekend prior to the celebration, with confirmation that she would attend only given at 6pm the evening before.
In her second public appearance, the mother-of-three attended Wimbledon alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte and her sister, Pippa Middleton.
She was greeted with a standing ovation as she headed into the Royal Box during the tennis tournament in July.
The Princess passed the trophy to Carlos Alcaraz who defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets on centre court.
Before Catherine and Charlotte took their seats in the Royal Box, they met with female tennis stars, including Emma Radacanu, who presented the Princess of Wales with a bouquet of flowers.
US Open winner Raducanu said it was ‘amazing’ to have the royal’s support and ‘see her here looking so healthy and happy’.
Catherine – who enjoys taking part in sporting events and showing her support for athletes – also made a surprise appearance alongside Prince William with a star-studded message to Team GB last month.
Dressed in a classic black and white striped top, the tennis fan beamed as she said: ‘From all of us watching at home, congratulations to Team GB.’
The Prince of Wales, wearing an official blue Team GB top, then briefly added: ‘Well done to Team GB you’ve been an inspiration to us all.’
The family are also seen running through a field of recently cut straw
Catherine is featured in a stunning shot among a seat of summer grasses
Other shots are filmed from behind, with this one showing Catherin
Catherine announced publicly five months ago that she had been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy
William interacts with Princess Charlotte in a scene that appears in the video
The Cambridge children are seen playing around in intimate family scenes, with this shot showing Prince Louis
The statement is three minutes’ long and contains numerous family photos and videos
Catherine hugs Charlotte during a tender exchange caught on camera
Kate today revealed she has finished her chemotherapy following a health crisis earlier this year
Cheeky Louis is seen climbing a tree while his mother watches on
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr
William is seen holding a card in his hand as George and Louis look on
The royal children make regular cameo appearances in the adorable footage
Prince Louis sticks his tongue out while playing on a swing
Catherine walks through bracken in a reflective moment during the footage
Anmer Hall is a Georgian country house in the village of Anmer in Norfolk, England
The news that Catherine is set to return to public duties in the autumn comes after it was revealed yesterday that the King’s health is also heading in a ‘very positive’ direction.
King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in January after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The King and Queen are gearing up for an important tour to and Samoa in the autumn – their first major overseas trip since news of Charles’s cancer was announced.
Down-time will be incorporated in and Samoa, with not too many back to back meetings, consideration given to the time difference, and a hoped-for trip to New Zealand removed to reduce the travel demands, but Charles’s programme is still expected to be ‘pretty full on’
‘Health has to remain the number one priority, albeit heading in a very positive trajectory,’ a source said.
Camilla also gave an insight into the King’s treatment this week when she opened a new cancer centre in Bath, revealing he was ‘doing very well’.
The King spent around three months away from public-facing duties when he was diagnosed with cancer in January.
Sitting on a bench at Windsor, surrounded by spring flowers, the Princess of Wales took the extraordinary step of revealing to the world that she has cancer in March
Kate standing next to Charles during Trooping the Colour on June 15
more videos
- 1
- 2
- 3
He then returned to work in April with a visit to a cancer centre in London where he met with fellow patients.
The King’s aides took the opportunity to point out that not all recovery programmes for cancer patients are the same.
He had a high profile run of engagements through the next few months with D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Portsmouth and Normandy, Trooping the Colour, the incoming Japanese state visit, a short trip to Jersey and Guernsey, the appointment of a new Prime Minister after Labour’s landslide general election, and the State Opening of Parliament.
It is understood the Princess of Wales and the rest of her family have been ‘blown away’ by the support and well-wishes they have received from the public across the UK, the Commonwealth and the rest of the world.
She and William are known to be particularly heartened by the public’s understanding and generosity at such a difficult time for their family – and are said to be thankful to the public and media for allowing her the time, space and privacy she asked for earlier this year.
Catherine was known to be keen to explain in her own words about her experiences over the last nine months and how she feels as looks to the future.
Indeed it has been a notable feature of her whole cancer journey that the princess has chosen to personally address the public, rather than release a generic public statement, emphasising her growing public confidence and determination to emphasise just how deeply difficult this year has been for herself, her husband, children and extended family.
Sources have emphasised to the Mail that the strength she has drawn from her family has been ‘immeasurable’.
Kate at Trooping the Colour in June, where she stepped out in a stylish monochrome Jenny Packham dress featuring a statement bow
more videos
- 1
- 2
- 3
The Princess of Wales and her daughter, Princess Charlotte, were snapped in the Royal Box at Wimbledon alongside Pippa Middleton in June
The Princess of Wales made a congratulatory message for Team GB last month alongside her husband
They describe the last year as having been an incredibly tough time for the family and stress that the road to full recovery remains long.
However they also optimistically stress that Catherine is now in a positive place, she is feeling well and looking forward to the future, focusing on the things that matter most to her.
Since January, they say, she has drawn strength from her family and loved ones, as well as the things that bring her joy including ‘sanctuary’ in nature and creativity.
As the princess herself said previously, she takes ‘great joy’ from her work and will continue to work from home as well as undertake a ‘handful’ of engagements in the coming months.
But they stress, like the princess herself has, that her focus remains on being ‘cancer free’, reflecting the need to focus on making a full recovery.
It is understood that while her team are busy making plans for her limited return to public life, they could still change at short notice, depending on how she is feeling, and as they continue to prioritise her recovery they will need to exercise a greater degree of flexibility than normal.
Understandably, Catherine’s focus is on making a full recovery. Like anyone receiving treatment for cancer the princess will have had to come face to face with her own vulnerability, which has given her new perspective on life.
Plans for the future, sources say, come when she is ready.
Friends have long stressed that despite how well she may look in person, everyone’s recovery is deeply personal – while the princess herself said back in June that she has good days and bad.
They were also keen to stress her heartfelt support to all those lives who have been affected by cancer directly, as well as their loved ones.
Her video message is understood to very much be a reflection of where she is on her recovery journey and it is understood she was keen to make a public statement now that her children are back at school and the Royal Family is looking forward to the start of their own new term.
Last month the Daily Mail exclusive revealed that while the princess was in a ‘good place’ her recovery would take priority and her return to public duties slow.
The Mail also revealed, however, that she had plans to attend the Cenotaph in November as well as other keynote public events.