The Princess of Wales confirms she has completed her chemotherapy treatment in new video message


The Princess of Wales has confirmed she has completed her chemotherapy.

Kate Middleton had been undergoing preventative treatment after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. The 42-year-old Royal underwent "planned abdominal surgery" in January and it was announced that she would not return to public duties until after Easter.

Doctors initially believed her condition was non-cancerous but tests, following her operation, found that cancer had been present. In a video message, released on March 22, Kate said: "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."

Kate has now confirmed, in a new video message addressing her recovery and experience, that her preventative chemotherapy treatment is now complete.

In the footage, which was released on Monday, she says the last nine months have been "incredibly tough" for her and her family and her focus is on staying "cancer free". She says she will still be taking "each day as it comes" as the road to full recovery still remains long.

In the message, she says: "As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.

The Princess of Wales said she has finished chemotherapy and is "looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months -Credit:PA
The Princess of Wales said she has finished chemotherapy and is "looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months -Credit:PA

"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."

The princess stepped back from royal duties following abdominal surgery in January
The princess stepped back from royal duties following abdominal surgery in January -Credit:Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post

Kate goes on to say that she is looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when she can.

She added: "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.

"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."

Kate will be returning to public life in a "light programme" as and when she is able to. It is her intention to attend the Remembrance Sunday Service at the cenotaph in London on Sunday, November 10.

Kate previously said, during her video message back in March, that the cancer diagnosis had come as a "huge shock" and that her and William had been doing everything they could to process and manage it privately for the sake of their young family. She said: "As you can imagine, this has taken time.

"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 ok."