In a personal and poignant video message, the Princess of Wales expressed her “relief” at having finished the course of preventative chemotherapy.
Catherine, 42, shared a personal update about her experience, stating that her family has had to “find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,” and that it has been “incredibly tough.”
Click the photo below to watch the photo:
“My current focus is on staying cancer-free,” the Princess said. “Even though my chemotherapy is over, I still have a long way to go before I fully recover, so I have to keep accepting each day as it comes.”
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”
The royal’s message aired above lovely family video showing the princess enjoying the summer break from school with her husband, Prince William, and their three kids, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.
Photographer Will Warr captured the family of five having a picnic, playing cards with Catherine’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and going for a stroll through the woods at their Norfolk home.
William and Catherine, who celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary in April, are also seen holding hands on a picnic blanket and the Princess resting her head on her husband’s shoulder in a number of infrequent PDAs.
In a different instance, the couple is seen cuddling up to their dog, Orla, on a picnic blanket and laughing. As his wife giggles, William gives her a gentle peck on the cheek.
In a charming moment, the couple watches their kids play on hay bales and smile for several family photos while holding hands.
“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.” Catherine said in a heartfelt thank you to the public.
The King and Queen will obviously find today’s news to be amazing and that they will be sending the Princess all of their love, support, and well wishes as she continues on her journey to full recovery.
James Middleton, Catherine’s younger brother, wrote on Instagram, “I couldn’t be more proud [heart emoji].”
The Princess’ message in full
“As summer draws to a close, I can’t express how relieved I am to have finished my chemotherapy treatment.”
“As a family, the past nine months have been extremely difficult. We had to figure out how to travel through the rough seas and uncharted territory because life as we know it can change drastically in an instant.”
“Everyone’s journey with cancer is unique, frightening, and uncertain, especially for those closest to you.”
“Along with opening your eyes to your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never done before, humility also gives you a fresh perspective on everything.”
“William and I have been most reminded during this time to pause, think, and express our gratitude for the small but significant things in life that so many of us frequently take for granted. Of just being loved and loving.”
“Now my focus is on doing everything within my power to remain cancer-free. Even though my chemotherapy is over, I still have a long way to go before I fully recover, so I have to keep accepting each day as it comes.”
“But in the upcoming months, when I can, I’m looking forward to returning to work and doing a few more public appearances.”
“I have a newfound sense of hope and appreciation for life as I begin this new phase of recovery, despite everything that has come before it.”
“William and I are incredibly appreciative of the help we’ve gotten, and we’ve found a lot of strength in everyone who is currently providing for us. It has been truly humbled by everyone’s kindness, empathy, and compassion.”
“I’m still here for all of you who are enduring your own cancer journey—side by side, hand in hand. Light can emerge from darkness, so let that light shine brightly.”
When will Catherine return to public duties?
The Princess 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.”
As part of her gradual return to public duties, Catherine will work on a light schedule through the end of the year, which will include a few public appearances in the upcoming months.
Additionally, she is aiming to attend the yearly Remembrance Sunday service at the Whitehall Cenotaph with the royal family.
In recent years, the Princess’s Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey has solidified as a highlight of the royal calendar, and she has started collaborating with her team on the project.
Will Catherine join William in Wales?
On Tuesday, September 10, the Prince of Wales will visit Llanelli, South Wales, to meet with the locals and celebrate Welsh sport and culture. But it is most likely that the Princess will not be coming with him.
Last week, William resumed his royal duties by going to the Saatchi Gallery’s Homelessness: Reframed exhibition.
Catherine’s public appearances so far
Following her cancer diagnosis, the Princess made her first significant public appearance in June at the King’s birthday parade, also known as Trooping the Colour.
While her husband rode a horse, Catherine, looking stunning in a white Jenny Packham dress with navy accents, accompanied her kids in the carriage procession down the Mall.
She rode in the procession back to Buckingham Palace after witnessing the military show from the former Duke of Wellington’s office windows, which overlooked Horse Guards Parade.
Next, the Princess and her family made an appearance on the palace balcony to witness the RAF flypast.
A month later, Catherine went to Wimbledon’s men’s final with her sister Pippa Matthews and daughter Charlotte.
The royal, dressed in a purple Safiyaa London dress, appeared especially moved as the audience gave her a standing ovation before she was seated in the Royal Box on Centre Court.
Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish champion, received the winning trophy from her afterwards.
Afterwards, during the school summer holidays, the Princess spent time with her family at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall. The Waleses were also spotted at the Bear Grylls’ Gone Wild festival, which was held nearby at Holkham Hall.
On August 11, Catherine and William appeared in a video message to congratulate Team GB on their performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
They joined the King and Queen at Balmoral for the August Bank Holiday weekend, and she was later seen in the car on their way to church.
