Inside Kate Middleton's slow return to public life as the Princess of Wales reveals she is taking 'each day as it comes' now she has finished chemotherapy

Royal fans around the world have breathed a collective sigh of relief – and may even have shed a tear – this afternoon as the Princess of Wales revealed in a heartfelt video message that she has finished her preventative chemotherapy for cancer.

Kate, 42, announced to the world in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing the treatment as a preventative measure.

During that time, understandably, the royal mother-of-three has been largely out of the spotlight as she continues to recuperate at home with her family. However, today’s welcome announcement revealed she will be continuing with a slow and steady return to public life in the autumn.

Speaking in a beautifully-shot clip from Kensington Palace, the Princess of Wales will undertake more engagements in the autumn – but she has stressed she will continue to ‘take each day as it comes’. 

Speaking in the remarkably intimate video, the Princess revealed: ‘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 of Wales has revealed in a new, astonishingly candid clip, that she has finished her preventative chemotherapy and she will be taking on ‘a few more engagements’ in the coming months 

In March, the Princess revealed to the world that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after cancer had been detected in her body following an abdominal operation

‘I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.’

It is an approach that the Princess of Wales has followed throughout her cancer journey; slow and steady. Since first announcing her diagnosis to the world in March, Kate has made just a few appearances as she puts her recovery and her family first.

It appears the occasions on which Kate has decided to make an appearance are some of the more light-hearted engagements – including events centred around her passion for sport over the summer.

Now, as the Princess of Wales reveals the news royal fans have been waiting for, FEMAIL takes a closer look at how the royal mother-of-three has eased herself back into public life as she puts her recuperation and, crucially, her children, first. 

TROOPING THE COLOUR 

The world watched as Kate waved from the Buckingham Palace balcony in a stylish monochrome Jenny Packham dress featuring a statement bow, channeling Eliza Doolittle at Trooping the Colour in June

In a sweet gesture from the monarch, Kate stood next to Charles – a change from last year’s arrangement when her husband Prince William was next to him

In June, it was announced that Kate would rightly take her place on the Buckingham Palace Balcony alongside her family for Trooping the Colour that month.

The Princess of Wales beamed and waved as she accompanied her three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in a carriage procession for the ceremony.

Her appearance had been in doubt after she missed the final Trooping rehearsal the weekend prior to the celebration, with confirmation that she would attend only given at 6pm the evening before. 

The world watched as she stepped out in a stylish monochrome Jenny Packham dress featuring a statement bow, channeling Eliza Doolittle.  

It was a heartfelt moment between The Princess and King Charles, as they were reunited on the Palace balcony for the first time since they both began cancer treatment.

In a sweet gesture from the monarch, Kate stood next to Charles – a change from last year’s arrangement when her husband Prince William was next to him.

Kate is thought to have gotten closer to Charles, as the King announced that he was ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,’ via a statement after revealing her cancer diagnosis. 

WIMBLEDON 

The Princess of Wales received a rip-roaring standing ovation as she took to Centre Court at Wimbledon this summer

In her second public appearance, the mother-of-three attended Wimbledon and presented the trophy to Carlos Alcaraz in July 

Pippa Middleton, the Princess of Wales and her daughter, Princess Charlotte, were snapped in the Royal Box

In her second public appearance, the mother-of-three attended Wimbledon alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte and her sister, Pippa Middleton.

She was greeted with a standing ovation as she headed into the Royal Box during the tennis tournament in July.

Kate has been the patron of the All England Club since 2016, and her duties include handing out the winner’s trophy after the final.

She often presents the trophy to the Ladies’ Singles winner, however this year attended the tournament on the final day instead.

The Princess passed the trophy to Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz took on veteran Novak Djokovic, winning in three sets, before shaking the hand of runner-up Novak Djokovic. 

Kate seemed in high spirits as the trio enjoyed a girls day out – while Prince William and Prince George travelled to Germany to watch England play Spain in the final of the Euros. 

Before Kate and Charlotte took their seats in the Royal Box, they met with female tennis stars, including 21-year-old Emma Radacanu, who all presented Kate with a bouquet of flowers.

US Open winner Raducanu said it was ‘amazing’ to have Kate’s support and ‘see her here looking so healthy and happy’. 

PARIS OLYMPICS CLIP

The Princess of Wales made a congratulatory message for Team GB this month alongside her husband 

Kate – who enjoys taking part in sporting events and showing her support for athletes – also made a surprise appearance alongside Prince William with a star-studded message to Team GB earlier this month. 

A fortnight ago, the future Queen addressed the Olympics, beaming alongside husband William and they congratulated British athletes.

Dressed in a classic black and white striped top, Kate beamed as she said: ‘From all of us watching at home congratulations to Team GB.’

The Prince of Wales, wearing an official blue Team GB top, then briefly added: ‘Well done to Team GB you’ve been an inspiration to us all.’

In an accompanying social media post on their account, the royal couple said: ‘Well done @teamgb, what an incredible journey!

‘Every athlete showed immense dedication, heart and passion. You made us all so proud!

‘Here’s to celebrating every triumph @paris2024 and looking forward to more from @paralympicsgb_official later in the summer’.

Fans of the Royal Family were quick to compliment the pair by saying they both ‘look amazing,’ along with calling Kate ‘stunning’. 

CRATHIE KIRK 

The Princess of Wales has made her first appearance at Crathie Kirk since revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year

Earlier this month, Kate was seen in public for the third time since revealing that she has cancer.

The royal appeared in high spirits as she was pictured arriving for Sunday service with her husband William at Crathie Kirk. 

William drove the car, smiling as he chatted with his wife and opting for a navy blue suit for the occasion. 

The Princess sported the same hat she donned last year for a Sunday church service, when she donned a beige tartan Marlborough trench coat from Holland Cooper with  dark brown wool felt fedora with feathers.

Also snapped making their way to the Scottish church were King and Queen Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – along with their son, and Tim Lawrence.

William drove the car, smiling as he chatted with his wife and opting for a navy blue suit for the occasion.

Meanwhile Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, made a colourful appearance in Scottish tartan ensembles.

The Queen opted for a bright green blazer, adorned with red collar detailing and buttons, teamed with a matching hat. Her husband made a dapper style statement in a kilt, worn with a muted grey jacket. 

Edward and his wife Sophie both appeared to go for chic beige ensembles, perfect for the end of the summery weather. 

Princess of Wales’s message in full 

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

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.

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 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. 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. 

Brave Princess of Wales reveals she has completed chemotherapy and is ‘focused on staying cancer free’ as she releases touching new video of William and their children 

The Princess of Wales today revealed she has finished her course of ‘preventative chemotherapy’ following her health crisis earlier this year and plans to undertake a ‘light programme’ of public engagements over the coming months.

However she warns that ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus’ and admits that the last nine months have been a ‘scary and unpredictable’ time for her family.

The experience, Catherine says, has reminded her and her husband, Prince William, 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.’

The princess’ personal message to the nation is accompanied by a stunning three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, shot last month.

It shows the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children – and kissing.

In an uplifting video message shared today, the Princess of Wales revealed she has finished her course of ‘preventative chemotherapy’

The princess’ personal message to the nation is accompanied by a stunning three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their three children 

Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess – seen with William – expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice

The charming video that accompanied the message was shot last month

Catherine and William hug each other on a picnic blanket in an adorable moment from the video 

Kate Middleton’s family featured in the emotional three-minute video 

Princess Catherine’s mother Carole featured in the emotional video announcing the end of Kate’s cancer 

In her message the princess 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 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.

Princess of Wales’ full statement 

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

‘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. ‘

Referring to her plans for the coming months, Catherine continues: ‘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. 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 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.’

And she ends it with a deeply moving and emotional message to fellow cancer patients and their families, 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.’ 

Palace source emphasised that while the princess is looking forward to undertaking a ‘handful’ of public engagements over the coming months, her focus is on being ‘cancer free’ and her journey to full recovery ‘is long’.

Her programme of engagements will be ‘light’ but is likely, as previously revealed by the Daily Mail, to including Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and other events around it.

She will not accompany Prince William to his Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town in November, emphasising she wanted to remain in the UK to support her young family for whom the year has been difficult too.

She has already started to work from home on ‘passion projects’ such as her early childhood programme and will continue to do so for the rest of the year.

A source stressed that the entire Wales family are ‘immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes they have received over the past nine months’ and are grateful to the media for its cooperation in affording her space and privacy.

Catherine spoke of her ‘relief’ at her programme of chemo finally coming to an end 

The princess walks through the woods under dappled sunlight during the video released alongside her statement 

Catherine appeared happy and relaxed in the video, which will delight her millions of supporters 

The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr

Princess Charlotte hugs their parents as they look out over a beach in Norfolk 

Kate pictured behind the wheel as she reads her statement as a voiceover 

The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Catherine has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy

The Cambridge children play in the sea during the video released today 

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are featured regularly in the new video 

Catherine and William lark around on the beach in a delightful scene from the video 

The footage is one of the intimate insights into family life that Catherine and William have provided so far 

Delightful scenes show the family enjoying each other’s company in nature 

The princess was first admitted to hospital in January for what has only been described as planned abdominal surgery.

It was later discovered by doctors that cancer had been present and she embarked on her treatment in late February.

Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice.

However sources told the Mail tonight that the Princess hopes to do a small number of engagements shining a light on some of the causes, issues and charities that are closest to her heart over the coming months.

They are only likely to be announced last minute as they will depend as and when Her Royal Highness feels able to carry them out, with sources stressing repeatedly that every ‘cancer journey is different’.

It is understood that she is also working with staff on plans for her annual carol concert in December.

The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr.

The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Catherine has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy, particularly the sanctuary she has found in the natural world.

It also features her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who have been an unwavering source of support.

The Cambridges and their three children clamber over tree trunks near their Norfolk home 

Prince Louis appeared his usual cheeky self during the charming family video 

Louis brings his face to the camera as George and Catherine are seen in the background 

Princess Charlotte was also seen several times during the footage 

The Cambridge children run through the woods as William walks alongside them bouncing a tennis ball on a cricket bat 

Catherine announced publicly five months ago that she had been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy.

‘I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,’ she said at the time, in a highly emotional and unprecedented video message.

The message followed the major abdominal surgery Catherine had in January, where she spent two weeks at the London Clinic in Marylebone.

She made her first public appearance since the bombshell announcement in June when she joined the Royal Family to celebrate the King’s official birthday.

Her appearance at Trooping of the Colour had been in doubt after she missed the final rehearsal the weekend prior to the celebration, with confirmation that she would attend only given at 6pm the evening before.

In her second public appearance, the mother-of-three attended Wimbledon alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte and her sister, Pippa Middleton.

She was greeted with a standing ovation as she headed into the Royal Box during the tennis tournament in July.

The Princess passed the trophy to Carlos Alcaraz who defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets on centre court.

Before Catherine and Charlotte took their seats in the Royal Box, they met with female tennis stars, including Emma Radacanu, who presented the Princess of Wales with a bouquet of flowers.

US Open winner Raducanu said it was ‘amazing’ to have the royal’s support and ‘see her here looking so healthy and happy’.

Catherine – who enjoys taking part in sporting events and showing her support for athletes – also made a surprise appearance alongside Prince William with a star-studded message to Team GB last month.

Dressed in a classic black and white striped top, the tennis fan beamed as she said: ‘From all of us watching at home, congratulations to Team GB.’

The Prince of Wales, wearing an official blue Team GB top, then briefly added: ‘Well done to Team GB you’ve been an inspiration to us all.’

The family are also seen running through a field of recently cut straw 

Catherine is featured in a stunning shot among a seat of summer grasses 

Other shots are filmed from behind, with this one showing Catherin

Catherine announced publicly five months ago that she had been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy

William interacts with Princess Charlotte in a scene that appears in the video 

The Cambridge children are seen playing around in intimate family scenes, with this shot showing Prince Louis 

The statement is three minutes’ long and contains numerous family photos and videos 

Catherine hugs Charlotte during a tender exchange caught on camera 

Cheeky Louis is seen climbing a tree while his mother watches on 

The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr

William is seen holding a card in his hand as George and Louis look on 

The royal children make regular cameo appearances in the adorable footage 

Prince Louis sticks his tongue out while playing on a swing 

Catherine walks through bracken in a reflective moment during the footage 

Anmer Hall is a Georgian country house in the village of Anmer in Norfolk, England

The news that Catherine is set to return to public duties in the autumn comes after it was revealed yesterday that the King’s health is also heading in a ‘very positive’ direction.

King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in January after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.

The King and Queen are gearing up for an important tour to Australia and Samoa in the autumn – their first major overseas trip since news of Charles’s cancer was announced.

Down-time will be incorporated in Australia and Samoa, with not too many back to back meetings, consideration given to the time difference, and a hoped-for trip to New Zealand removed to reduce the travel demands, but Charles’s programme is still expected to be ‘pretty full on’

‘Health has to remain the number one priority, albeit heading in a very positive trajectory,’ a source said.

Camilla also gave an insight into the King’s treatment this week when she opened a new cancer centre in Bath, revealing he was ‘doing very well’.

The King spent around three months away from public-facing duties when he was diagnosed with cancer in January.

Sitting on a bench at Windsor, surrounded by spring flowers, the Princess of Wales took the extraordinary step of revealing to the world that she has cancer in March

Kate standing next to Charles during Trooping the Colour on June 15 

Kate at Trooping the Colour in June, where she stepped out in a stylish monochrome Jenny Packham dress featuring a statement bow

The Princess of Wales and her daughter, Princess Charlotte, were snapped in the Royal Box at Wimbledon alongside Pippa Middleton in June 

The Princess of Wales made a congratulatory message for Team GB last month alongside her husband 

He then returned to work in April with a visit to a cancer centre in London where he met with fellow patients.

The King’s aides took the opportunity to point out that not all recovery programmes for cancer patients are the same.

He had a high profile run of engagements through the next few months with D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Portsmouth and Normandy, Trooping the Colour, the incoming Japanese state visit, a short trip to Jersey and Guernsey, the appointment of a new Prime Minister after Labour’s landslide general election, and the State Opening of Parliament.

Source link