The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has confirmed her cancer is officially in remission.
While it’s news that has us all breathing a collective sigh of relief for her, there was another touching detail in the announcement that caught people’s eyes.
Kate chose to share her joyful news while visiting the very place that helped save her life — The Royal Marsden Hospital, one of the world’s leading cancer centres.
In a statement shared on her social media, Kate thanked staff at The Royal Marsden for looking after her, and everyone who has supported her during this challenging time.
“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything,” she said.
“We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
And in a moving full-circle moment, Kate also announced her new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden — the very hospital that she herself was treated in.
During her visit, Kate walked through the hospital wards and visited cancer patients receiving treatment.
“In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer,” she said.
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to.”
She signed off the message with a simple ‘C’ for Catherine.
While Kate has kept the specific details of her cancer private, she’s been refreshingly honest about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
“Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we’ve had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,” she said in a video in September, when she announced she had finished chemotherapy.
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
After undergoing her own treatment at The Royal Marsden, royalists could only imagine how tough it was to walk through those doors again, this time, to support others in their journey.
In the comments of the post, fellow cancer supporters were quick to applaud Kate for her courage.
“From personal experience, I know it’s not easy to walk back into the treatment centre after your treatment is finished. Those rooms hold a lot of emotional memories,” one wrote.
“I salute you and wish you continued good health,” they added. Another replied, “Oh my goodness I so agree!”
Another person said: “I was diagnosed around the same time and am in remission. The Royal Marsden have been amazing, the staff so supportive and never give up. The research they are doing is world leading! I certainly find certain smells, TV programmes bring back memories of my 12 weeks as an in patient. Forever grateful to my consultants.”
“Thank you for the grace and strength you’ve shown through this daunting experience,” another added.
“I’m sure this was a really touching visit for you and everyone there.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital. Image: Getty.
Kate Middleton’s cancer journey.
A difficult diagnosis.
It started when Kate spent two weeks in hospital in January 2024 after having, what her office said at the time was, a successful, planned surgery for an unspecified condition.
After the operation, we didn’t see much of Kate. While the palace said she wouldn’t return to official duties until after Easter, her absence led to all sorts of speculation on social media.
Then, in March, Kate shared her cancer diagnosis with the world. Tests taken after a major abdominal surgery detected cancer and she needed to undergo preventative chemotherapy.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” she explained at the time.
“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
She also explained her extended absense from the public eye. She and Prince William had wanted privacy until their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, began their school holidays.
“It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay,” she explained.
“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”
The announcement came just weeks after King Charles said he too was being treated for cancer.
William and Kate smiling with their children, Louis, Charlotte and George. Image: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales.
Navigating treatment.
In June 2024, Kate shared an update saying she had been blown away by the support she had received since announcing her diagnosis.
“It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times,” she said.
The Princess of Wales was refreshingly honest about her treatment, sharing that chemotherapy was not without its challenges.
“As anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” she said.
“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.”
Kate has spoken publicly about the challenges of chemotherapy. Image: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales.
Finishing chemotherapy.
Come September 2024, Kate shared she had finished her chemotherapy. The announcement came with a touching video narrated by Kate.
The three-minute video showed precious family moments with her children in the summer sunshine, giving us all a glimpse into what those months of treatment had really been like.
“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,” she shared.
“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.”
Kate continued: “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.”
She shared that she was excited to come back to work and undertake more public appearances.
Kate also left a final note to those that have walked in her shoes, and been diagnosed with cancer themselves.
“To all those who continue 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.”
Feature image: Getty.
