Kate Middleton is moving into a new phase of her health journey. The Princess of Wales announced in a statement (and sweet video) that she’s officially finished with chemotherapy after an “incredibly tough” last few months.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Kate wrote in the statement posted to social media, which she also read aloud to accompany the video. “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.”
Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis in March following an abdominal surgery in January. In a statement, she said her doctors believed her condition was non-cancerous until post-surgery tests revealed otherwise. “My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy,” Kate said in a video posted to social media on March 22. The Palace hasn’t specified what kind of cancer Kate has.
The announcement came after weeks of speculation around Kate’s wellbeing and even her relationship with Prince William, which quieted down (at least to some extent) after she revealed her diagnosis. Still, the hardest part was ahead for Middleton, who then underwent a daunting course of chemotherapy treatment.
For the first time, she opened up about what that experience was like in the new statement and video. “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” Kate explained. “It also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before.” She went on to speak about the “new perspective” her diagnosis gave her on “the simple yet important things in life… simply loving and being loved.”
The accompanying video provided an emotional backdrop to Kate’s news, giving a rare, intimate look at how the family — including children George, Charlotte, and Louis — spend their time. There was even a few moments of sweet PDA between Kate and Prince William.
And while Kate says she’ll now be taking on “a few more public engagements,” she noted that “doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus.” She may be done with chemotherapy, but “my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” the Princess wrote.
Closing out her statement, Kate thanked the public for their support. “William and I… have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time,” she said. “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”
Before you go, read about other stars who’ve opened up about their health battles: