The Princess of Wales has shared a deeply personal message of relief and gratitude after revealing she is now in remission from cancer, following her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital today.
At 43, Kate made an emotional return to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, west London, where she underwent chemotherapy, to thank the medical staff and offer encouragement to those currently receiving cancer treatment. After her visit, she took to social media to share her health update.
For the first time since her diagnosis last February, she openly spoke about being in remission after her treatment journey and talked about adapting to a "new normal" while looking forward to a "fulfilling year ahead."
In a touching statement on X, she expressed: "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."
She continued, highlighting her new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden: "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.", reports the Mirror.
"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 concluded with a 'C' indicating it was a personal note from the princess.
Kate's update follows her heartfelt discussion about the personal challenges of cancer treatment during an emotional visit to the hospital where she underwent chemotherapy, marking her first solo engagement in over a year. The princess shared warm embraces with patients at the esteemed Royal Marsden and opened up about her own difficulties in returning to everyday life.
The future queen commented on the stark contrast of "coming through the front entrance" as she expressed gratitude to the medical staff who discreetly cared for her for several months the previous year. The princess received her cancer diagnosis last February after spending two weeks in the hospital for abdominal surgery.
The mother-of-three took a significant hiatus from her Royal responsibilities to focus on her health, making only sporadic public appearances at Wimbledon during the summer, the King's official birthday festivities in London, and her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Upon completing her chemotherapy in September, she shared a heartfelt video with her family, expressing solidarity with fellow cancer patients: "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."
In her first solo engagement after more than a year, which was described by Royal aides as "incredibly poignant for the princess, Kate thanked medical staff for their " Kate expressed her gratitude to the medical staff for their "care, support and compassion" and engaged in conversations with patients still receiving treatment.
Guided through the Medical Day Unit by Mairead Griffin, Chief Nurse at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Kate remarked: "I'm so grateful for all the care and support I've received here."
During this moving visit, at 43 years old, she thanked the doctors and nurses for their "care, support and compassion" and exchanged experiences with patients currently undergoing treatment.
While speaking with Katherine Field, 45, who was using a cold cap during her chemotherapy to protect her hair, the princess indicated her own arm and chest while discussing the 'port' used to administer medication. Although it is not believed that Kate used a cold cap herself, she humorously commented "I got so attached to it", recalling her reluctance when she was eventually told "you can have it taken out".
Discussing the shock and difficulty of receiving a diagnosis, the Princess remarked: "It's the uncertainty of that initial diagnosis. It's such a wealth of information. Understanding the diagnosis, it's a massive amount of information to take on as a patient. Having that continuity, in the clinical setting and outside in the home setting, is so important."
She noted the significant ongoing challenges faced by patients post-treatment: "You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that's still a real challenge. The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment but actually there are more long term side effects."
In the context of comprehensive care, she underscored the necessity for consistent support stating: "continuity is so important, on good days and bad days". She also highlighted the need for family support: "I feel like it's sometimes for the loved ones around us. They need support just as much as I did as the patient."
It emerged that the Princess's surprise visit was meticulously planned in secrecy by Kensington Palace and the hospital as she tentatively steps back into her official duties.
Despite Prince William expressing hope during a recent trip to Cape Town for his Earthshot Prize awards that Princess Kate would join him on future foreign tours, it appears there are no current plans for the princess to expand her schedule beyond a few visits as she continues her recovery. The news comes as Kensington Palace announced that Princess Kate will become joint Royal patron of the Royal Marsden alongside her husband, a position once held by Prince William's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
A spokesperson stated: "The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides."
Following her six-month health struggle, which she has said made her "grateful for the simple yet important things in life", the princess frequently emphasised the value of maintaining a positive outlook during treatment.
During her visit, Kate met with Richard Bosworth, a 77 year old myeloma patient, and his wife Ruth. Ruth praised the Princess for handling her three young children "amazingly well" throughout her public health challenges, to which Kate responded warmly, "Oh that's kind," and added, "Thank you for saying that."
Another patient, Kerr Melia, aged 62, shared with her his five-year battle with gastroesophageal cancer.
She chuckled as he greeted her with an enthusiastic "how are you! ", replying that she was indeed well, though recounting the ongoing cycle of treatment which meant "sometimes you feel relatively well, and then you have another one."
"Sometimes from the outside we all think you've finished treatment and you go back to things," she observed. "But it's hard to get back to normal."
"You're a strong man," she expressed to him.
"I've had a tiny taste of what you've been through, and you've had to keep coming back."
While chatting with Katherine Field, a 45 year old breast cancer patient, Kate shared how, like the King who is valiantly continuing his fight against cancer with weekly therapy, she too sought solace in nature during her recovery.
"I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight."
As Katherine's equipment started beeping mid-conversation, indicating time for treatment, the Princess was startled but noted: "I recognise that beep! ".
Wrapping up her visit at the hospital amidst cheers and heartfelt hugs from patients, the princess shared a warm embrace with Rebecca Mendlesohn, 57, undergoing a trial for secondary cancerbreast and liverand consoled Tina Adumou, whose 19 year old daughter fights for her life in ICU, offering comfort as Tina shed tears on sharing her daughter's plight with the Princess.
Offering comfort with an arm around her, Kate inquired gently and reassured the girl she was in the safest place. "I wish I could do more," she expressed sincerely.
"It will get better. There is light at the end of the tunnel."
As she departed, she offered a parting message of encouragement: "Best of luck," and a final reassurance, "You are in the best hands."
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