Kate Middleton is feeling “grateful” this holiday season.
The Princess of Wales made a rare comment about her cancer journey while speaking to fans — including a fellow survivor — following the royal family’s Christmas Day service in England.
“The amount of people who have written this year is extraordinary and I think cancer just really does resonate with so many families,” Middleton, 42, said outside of Sandringham on Wednesday, as seen in footage obtained by the Daily Mail.
“People like you are doing all the hard work out there. I’m hugely grateful.”
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8 At one point, one woman told Middleton, “We’re all behind you, never forget that,” to which the royal replied, “Thank you very much, [that’s] so kind.”
Middleton also was spotted hugging Karen Maclean, a 73-year-old cancer patient who battled cancer for 20 years.
Maclean told the Daily Mail that they “had a little talk about cancer” with King Charles III, who revealed his cancer diagnosis in February.
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8 Earlier this month, Middleton briefly spoke about her journey with cancer while chatting with pop star Paloma Faith at her fourth annual carol service at Westminster Abbey.
“I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had,” she candidly noted.
Middleton announced she was cancer-free in September after being treated nearly all year long.
“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 said at the time.
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8 She also expressed her gratitude for all the well-wishes she received along the way, saying, “[Prince] 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.”
The mother of three originally announced her cancer diagnosis in March following widepsread speculation about her whereabouts due to her lack of public appearances at the time.
She said her cancer had been discovered after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.
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