The Duchess of Cambridge has spoken of her relief at having completed chemotherapy and taking a major step towards her recovery.
The Duchess announced on Monday that she has completed chemotherapy after her sudden cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
The announcement will come as a welcome relief for the British royal family after a difficult year that saw head of state, King Charles III, reveal that he is also battling cancer.
“I am so relieved to finally be done with chemo,” Kate, as she is often called, said in an Instagram message with X.
The past nine months have been 'incredibly difficult' – Duchess of Cambridge
The 42-year-old princess said the past nine months had been “incredibly tough” for her family, including her husband, Prince William, and children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
“Life as you know it can change in an instant and we've had to find a way to navigate rough waters and unknown paths,” she said.
The future queen, who is seen as a key figure in maintaining the monarchy's position in an ever-changing Britain, added: “My focus now is doing all I can to stay cancer-free.”
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“Although my chemotherapy is over, the road to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” she said.
“However, I look forward to returning to work in the coming months and taking part in some further public activities when possible.”
Katherine announced in March that she was undergoing “preventive chemotherapy” for an undisclosed cancer.
King Charles diagnosed with cancer
The announcement comes just weeks after it was revealed that her father-in-law had also been diagnosed with cancer after being treated for benign prostate cancer.
Prince Charles, 75, was given the go-ahead to return to royal duties in April after doctors said they were “very encouraged” by his recovery.
The video message shows the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William looking happy and relaxed with their children at their home in the countryside in Norfolk, eastern England.
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Kensington Palace officials said the video was filmed last month.
In a highly emotional message, Catherine added that the months since their diagnosis “more than anything have reminded William and me to reflect on and be grateful for the simple but important things in life that so many of us often take for granted – just to love and be loved.”
“I've been so touched by everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion,” she said.
Solidarity with Cancer Patients
And she expressed solidarity with fellow cancer patients.
“To all those who continue to fight cancer: I stand shoulder to shoulder with you, hand in hand. Out of darkness comes light. Let's let that light shine brightly,” she said.
Kate has only made a few public appearances this year.
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She had not been seen in public since Christmas when she announced her cancer diagnosis in a video on March 22.
The revelation came after royal sources said in January that the Duchess would be hospitalised for two weeks for abdominal surgery.
The announcement came just before another statement from Buckingham Palace that Prince Charles would undergo surgery.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, returns to public life
He then spent three days recovering at the same private hospital in central London. Authorities said in early February that tests had revealed “a form of cancer” but gave no further details.
Kate temporarily returned to British public duties in June and attended a military parade in London to officially mark Prince Charles' birthday.
In July, she attended the men's final at Wimbledon and was cheered when she walked onto the court to present the trophy to Carlos Alcaraz.
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– Creator: © Agence France-Presse
