LONDON — Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced on Monday that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment and will engage in a light schedule of public appearances until the end of the year.
In a video message, she expressed, “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus,” approximately six months after disclosing that she had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, amidst much public speculation regarding her health.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” Kate acknowledged, noting that the “cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.” She added that the experience has forced her to confront her vulnerabilities and has offered her a new perspective on life.
The video features a serene soundtrack as she speaks over visuals filmed in various tranquil settings such as a forest, a beach, and a field in Norfolk. She is dressed in a long white summer dress adorned with patterns.
The footage alternates between moments of her alone and scenes with her husband, Prince William, and their three children: George, 11; Charlotte, 9; and Louis, 6.
Kate expressed gratitude for the support received, stating, “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 mentioned her eagerness to return to work and undertake more public engagements in the coming months as she is able.
NBC News royal commentator Daisy McAndrew described the video as “astonishing,” noting that it will likely bring relief to many royal supporters around the world. She highlighted the intimacy displayed within the family, including affectionate gestures that have not been prominently featured in past public appearances.
Since revealing her cancer diagnosis in a video back in March, Kate has made several public outings. She attended the men’s final at Wimbledon with her daughter in July, joined by her sister, Pippa Middleton Matthews.
Earlier this June, she took part in the Trooping the Colour ceremony, celebrating the British monarch’s official birthday. At that time, she remarked that she was “not out of the woods yet” and had both good and bad days, but noted she was “making good progress.”
Kate’s announcement of her cancer diagnosis coincided with Buckingham Palace’s revelation that her father-in-law, King Charles III, had also been diagnosed with the disease, although it was clarified he does not have prostate cancer.
Speculation around Kate’s health had been building for months after Kensington Palace announced she would step back from public duties to recover from planned abdominal surgery. Both she and Charles have refrained from disclosing the specific types of cancer they are facing or details of their prognosis.
Despite his 75 years, King Charles has continued to attend various public engagements since resuming duties earlier this year, including memorial services for D-Day in France. Next month, he will visit Australia and Samoa with Queen Camilla, covering an extensive itinerary.
While Charlotte participated in Wimbledon, the princess and her brothers have maintained a lower profile since their mother’s surgery. The health challenges faced by both Charles and Kate have underscored the strains on a reduced royal family, with the king committed to reducing costs. Consequently, the remaining royals, including Camilla, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, are taking on additional responsibilities to fulfill royal duties.