The Princess of Wales has announced that she is “cancer free” after completing chemotherapy and plans to gradually resume public engagements in the coming months.
In a video message shared by Kensington Palace on Monday, Catherine expressed her relief at finishing preventive chemotherapy 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 stated.
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Catherine acknowledged that her “path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” noting the “stormy waters” and uncertain journey ahead.
She has already started working on some projects from home and will return to a “light programme of external engagements for the remainder of the year,” according to the palace.
Reflecting on the end of her treatment, Catherine 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 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.
“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.
“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.”
Kensington Palace released a three-minute video showing William and their three children enjoying time together on a Norfolk beach last month.
Catherine first revealed her diagnosis in March in a public video, shortly after King Charles also shared news of his cancer treatment. The King has since returned to some public duties.
Kensington Palace declined to provide further details on the princess’s illness and treatment, respecting her medical privacy.
Catherine’s public engagements will not be pre-announced, but she is expected to gradually return, including possibly supporting the Prince of Wales at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday in November and organizing a carol service in December.
Decisions on Catherine’s engagements next year will follow medical guidance.
Her openness about her cancer diagnosis and the challenges faced by her and her family has been widely commended by cancer experts.
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