Kate Middleton announced Monday that she has completed chemotherapy for her cancer, sharing a rare update in her ongoing health situation since she was diagnosed earlier this year.
The Princess of Wales, 42, shared the news on social media, calling this year “incredibly tough” and saying that she still has a long road to go. However, she said it’s a “relief” to be finished this part of her 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,” her message read. “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
The announcement, accompanied by video showing intimate moments from her personal life and behind-the-scenes footage of her family, comes nine months after Kensington Palace announced that the princess had undergone surgery for an undisclosed abdominal issue. She later announced that the surgery had led to doctors discovering cancer. The type or nature of her cancer has not been confirmed.
It is unknown at this point whether Middleton will undergo more treatment for cancer, or if chemotherapy is the final stop in her active treatment.
Middleton has remained largely absent from public life in 2024, stepping back from her royal duties and appearances to focus on her health. She has only undertaken two events in an official capacity this year — in June she appeared at Trooping the Colour, the official celebration for King Charles’ birthday, and earlier this summer she appeared at Wimbledon alongside her daughter Princess Charlotte and sister Pippa Middleton.
Catherine, Princess of Wales (R) and Princess Charlotte (2nd L) arrive at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, south west London, on day fourteen of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships on July 14, 2024 in London, England. The Princess of Wales will present the trophy to the winner of the men’s final.
Aaron Chown / WPA Pool / Getty Images
There are rumours her next appearance could come in November, with The Sunday Times reporting over the weekend that she hoped to “potentially” join the King, husband Prince William and other members of the Royal Family to pay tribute to fallen service members on Nov. 10.
As well, Kensington Palace confirmed to People that the Princess’ annual holiday carol concert in December is currently in the planning stages.
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In June, Middleton shared a health update, telling the world she was making “good progress” on her recovery but was experiencing “good days and bad days” while going through chemo.
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, shared a new photo and cancer update on Friday, June 14, 2024.
Matt Porteous via Kensington Palace
“On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well,” she wrote.
Both this week’s message and the June update gave the public a rare show of vulnerability from the Royal Family, who often remain quite tight-lipped about health issues.
Read Middleton’s message in full below:
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.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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