In a touching three-minute video with her family, Kate Middleton announces that she has finally completed her chemotherapy treatment.
The past few quarters of 2024 have been particularly harrowing ones for the British royal family. Earlier this year, they found themselves at the forefront of a media frenzy and public speculation, as Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, disappeared from the spotlight and took a break from her royal duties. By March 2024, the princess announced her cancer diagnosis (the type of cancer remains undisclosed for her privacy), shocking the world as she explained she was undergoing chemotherapy. This was followed by another major update in June, when Middleton announced that she was “making good progress,” though chemotherapy has its “good days and bad days.”
On September 9, 2024, Middleton, her husband Prince William, and her family released a heartfelt video through the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official YouTube channel. In the three-minute film, made by filmmaker Will Warr, the princess announces that she has finally completed her chemotherapy treatment.
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To Love And Be Loved
“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 Princess of Wales expresses in the video. “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. […] 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.”
Filled with clips of a joyous princess spending time with her husband, three children (Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis), and other members of her family, the film serves as both a public update and form of reflection for Middleton.
Looking to the Future
Of course, cancer is never a complete one and done thing. Like many survivors, Middleton’s path to healing has only begun, but it starts on a bright, hopeful note. She states that doing what she can to remain cancer-free remains her primary 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 shares. “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.” While the princess will still be prioritizing her health, she states that she looks forward to returning to work and undertaking public engagements when she can.
She ends her message by expressing her solidarity with the many other people facing the disease: “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.”
Photos from “A Message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales | September 2024” via the Prince and Princess of Wales on YouTube.
