Inside Kate Middleton's life in remission after tough cancer journey 'changes her'

The Princess of Wales revealed she is in remission from cancer after an emotional visit to the hospital that treated her - and an insider has given an insight into Kate's life after her significant update

The Princess of Waleses' cancer journey has been "harder than we perhaps thought", according to an insider - but she's moving forward with "positivity and hope".

Kate, 43, revealed after her first solo engagement since revealing she had received a cancer diagnosis that she is now in remission. The news came after she visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she received her cancer treatment to thank staff and meet patients on their own cancer journey.

During the visit, she opened up about the shock of her diagnosis, how tough her chemotherapy treatment had been and even how she was fitted with a port in order to deliver her treatment.

Hours after her trip to the Royal Marsden, Kate took to social media, where she described her relief at being in remission and said "there is much to look forward to". And an insider told People: "It has been a tough journey - harder than we perhaps thought. She has been through a lot, and it has been a rough road. Serious illness like cancer does change you.

"She has a young family, and it makes you rethink everything - your purpose and what you want to do with your life." They added: "She has drawn a line under the last year, and she can move forward. The word 'remission' is such a positive one to use, and it just feels like a veil has been lifted on their life of the last year, and that they can move forward with positivity and hope."

Kate's statement about her cancer update was the first time she described herself as being in remission following her diagnosis last February.

In a heartfelt message on X, she said: "I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year. My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.

"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.

"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. Thank you to everyone for your continued support." The message was signed off with a C denoting it was a personal message from the princess.

The mum-of-three took an extended break away from royal duties after major abdominal surgery last year to concentrate on her recovery following her cancer diagnosis, only making brief appearances at Wimbledon in the summer, the King’s official birthday celebrations in London and her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

On completing her chemotherapy treatment in September, she released a video alongside her family promising to stand shoulder to shoulder with those facing their own battles, saying: "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."

Royal aides said Kate's visit to the Royal Marsden was "incredibly poignant for the princess, Kate thanked medical staff for their “care, support and compassion” and swapped stories with patients who are still undergoing their own treatment.