Princess Kate finishes chemotherapy, says she's 'doing what I can to stay cancer-free'
Princess Kate is sharing a major update in her cancer journey.
The Princess of Wales, 42, revealed in a video on Monday that she feels "relief" after completing her chemotherapy treatment. She said her focus is now on "doing what I can to stay cancer-free," and despite finishing chemo, her "path to healing and full recovery" remains "long."
"I must continue to take each day as it comes," she said. "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's gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life."
Kate narrated the three-minute video, which showed the princess with her husband, Prince William, and their children walking through the woods, having a picnic and playing cards.
In the clip, Kate reflected that the "last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family" and that "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."
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Princess Kate cancer update:Read her full statement to the public
She went on to say that a cancer journey is "complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," and it "brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you've never considered before." Kate added that she and William have been reminded to appreciate the "simple yet important things in life," and she has been humbled by the public's "kindness, empathy and compassion."
Kate first shared in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January. She said at the time that she would undergo a "course of preventive chemotherapy treatment." She did not specify what kind of cancer she had.
Questions about Kate's health had swirled prior to her cancer announcement. In a March video message, she said it took time to "explain everything" to her three children "and to reassure them that I'm going to be OK." Kate asked for privacy amid her treatment and said she needed to "focus on making a full recovery."
Three months later, Kate shared in June that she was making "good progress" but has had "good days and bad days." "On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting," she wrote. "But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well." At the time, Kate shared a photo of herself standing by a tree and said she was "not out of the woods yet."
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"My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months," she said in June. "On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home."
Kate has attended a few public events amid her cancer treatment. In June, she made her public return at the Trooping the Colour, the ceremonial celebration of King Charles' birthday. The following month, she made an appearance with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, at Wimbledon and received a standing ovation. In August, Kate was also seen attending church service in Scotland.
King Charles also battled cancer this year, revealing his diagnosis in February after undergoing a procedure for benign prostate enlargement. He returned to public duties in April.
In Monday's video message, Kate told those who are also battling cancer, "I remain with you, side-by-side, hand-in-hand. Out of darkness can come light, so let that light shine bright."
