Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced on Monday that she had completed her chemotherapy in an emotional video message following a surprise cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
The heartfelt news offers much-needed relief for Britain’s royal family, which has had a challenging year, including King Charles III’s own revelation that he was battling cancer. Over the weekend, Charles was seen with Queen Camilla and other royals at the Braemar Gathering Highland Games and attended a church service marking the second anniversary of his accession to the throne. The couple is also set to embark on a state visit to Australia and Samoa next month, although their itinerary has been reduced as the King recovers.
“I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” said Catherine in her message on X and Instagram.
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The 42-year-old princess admitted that the last nine months had been “incredibly tough” for her family, including her husband, Prince William, and their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
“Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and the road ahead,” she said.
A key figure for the future of the British monarchy, Catherine acknowledged that “staying cancer-free” is now her main 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,” she 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.”
Catherine first announced in March that she was undergoing a course of “preventative chemotherapy” for an undisclosed type of cancer, just weeks after it was revealed that her father-in-law had also been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for a benign prostate condition.
King Charles, 75, resumed public duties in April after doctors expressed optimism about his recovery.
In the video message, Catherine and William appear relaxed and happy with their children in the Norfolk countryside and on a beach near their home in eastern England. The couple is shown being affectionate, with William kissing Catherine on the cheek.
Other scenes feature the family walking through woodlands, having a picnic, and playing cards. The footage was filmed last month, according to Kensington Palace.
Reflecting on the past months, Catherine said they had “reminded William and me to appreciate the simple yet important things in life that many of us often take for granted—of simply loving and being loved.”
“Everyone’s kindness, empathy, and compassion have been truly humbling,” she said.
Catherine also expressed her support for fellow cancer patients.
“To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey—I stand with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright,” she said.
Since her diagnosis, Catherine has made only a few public appearances. She had not been seen since Christmas until her cancer announcement in March. Royal officials had earlier disclosed that she would undergo abdominal surgery in January, shortly before it was announced that King Charles would also have surgery.
Catherine returned to public life in June, attending a military parade in London to celebrate Charles’s birthday, and in July, she received a warm reception at Wimbledon when she presented the men’s trophy to Carlos Alcaraz.
