LONDON (AP) — Kate, Princess of Wales, has finished chemotherapy and will make limited public appearances over the coming months, providing encouragement to a British royal family reeling from cancer diagnoses for both herself and King Charles III.
The wife of Prince William, 42, released a video on Monday appearing with her husband and children, in which she spoke about how difficult the past nine months have been for the family and expressed “relief” to have completed her treatment.
“Life as you know it can change in an instant. We’ve had to find a way to navigate rough waters and unknown paths,” she said in the video, filmed in woodland near her family’s holiday home in Norfolk. “The cancer journey is complicated, scary and unpredictable for anyone, especially those close to you. Humility allows you to confront your own vulnerabilities in ways you never thought possible, which gives you a new perspective on everything.”
The royal family has been plagued by health scares this year, starting in January when it was announced that the king would be undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate and Kate would have abdominal surgery. In February, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Charles was being treated for an undisclosed cancer. Six weeks later, Kate announced that she was also being treated for cancer, quelling persistent speculation about her condition that had been circulating on social media since her surgery.
While the announcement brought many well wishes for the ailing royal, it also put a lot of pressure on the royal family. Camilla and the king’s sister, Princess Anne, have taken on additional duties to juggle the seemingly never-ending list of commitments that make up daily life at Windsor. Prince William has also taken time off to support his wife and three young children.
Prince Charles began his return to royal duties in late April, visiting a cancer treatment center in London, and is due to visit Australia and Samoa in the autumn, his first long-distance trip since his diagnosis.
Kate said on Monday that although her chemotherapy treatments had finished, there was still a long road to full recovery and she wanted to “cherish each and every day.”
“William and I are so grateful for the support we’ve received and feel so empowered by all of the people helping us during this time,” she said. “We’ve been truly humbled by everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion.”
In June, the princess admitted that she had good days and bad days while undergoing treatment.
Although Kate has avoided most public engagements during her treatment, she has made two appearances this year, first at the King’s Birthday Parade “Trooping the Colour” in June and most recently at the Wimbledon men’s final in July, where she received a standing ovation.
“To all those who continue to fight cancer, I always stand shoulder to shoulder with you and hold your hand,” Kate said on Monday.
“Out of darkness comes light, so let that light shine brightly.”
