Princess Catherine has offered a rare update regarding her battle with cancer as she greeted hospital workers on Christmas Day.
The 42-year-old Royal had announced her cancer diagnosis in March, a revelation that deeply touched the public.
The royal underwent surgery in January, where the discovery was made, leading her to begin a preventative course of chemotherapy.
She shared news of her diagnosis in a video released on March 22, addressing her absence from public life, which had led to various speculations.
By September 9, Catherine announced that she had completed her chemotherapy and was “cancer-free”.
Reflecting on the experience, she said: "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."
Princess Catherine described the complexity and fear of the cancer journey while highlighting the new perspective it brought her: "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."
She also expressed hope for the future, writing: "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."
Her message concluded with an uplifting note for those facing similar battles: "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."
A couple of days ago, alongside her family, Catherine greeted members of the public as they walked to and from the traditional Christmas morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
Among those Kate spoke with was Rachel Anvil, 24, a worker at Cambridge’s Royal Papworth Hospital, part of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). Rachel, who began her career in a cancer unit, used the opportunity to express her admiration for the Princess.
“I started my career in the Macmillan cancer unit, and I just wanted to say, you’re an inspiration to all the patients,” Rachel said in a video shared by her mother, Karen, on Instagram.
Visibly moved, Princess Kate responded: “Thank you, honestly. The amount of people who have written this year is extraordinary and I think cancer just really does resonate with so many families.”
Rachel praised the Princess for her courage in sharing her story, highlighting how much it meant to cancer patients.
Kate reciprocated the admiration, saying: “People like you are doing all the hard work out there. I’m hugely grateful.”
Rachel’s mother also shared an encouraging message: “We’re all behind you, never forget that.” Kate smiled and thanked the pair for their “kind” words.
Rachel later reflected on the encounter, describing it as a deeply meaningful moment. “I didn’t go expecting to have such a lovely opportunity,” she told The New York Post.
“Especially after the year she had, I just wanted to say how much she means to cancer sufferers.”
Rachel’s connection to cancer extends beyond her professional work. She shared that her great-grandmother passed away from lung cancer, and her NHS experience allowed her to provide final care. “My heart belongs to the NHS and health care,” she said.
Rachel also praised Kate for addressing one of cancer’s often-overlooked effects: loneliness.
“The thing that it gives to people is it makes them feel less alone,” she said. “The general consensus is she is really brave and has done an incredible thing.”
She added: “She’s so humble. I really did want to take the opportunity to say you’re so brave. But she still took the opportunity to say, ‘You know what? I’m so grateful that I got care from people like you.’”
Reflecting on the experience, Rachel said: “Getting that opportunity — I shook hands with the future queen of England and got to tell her what a wonderful job she’s doing. How many people get to do that? I will never forget it. It was such a buzz.”
