Catherine, Princess of Wales, says has finished her chemotherapy treatment and will focus on staying “cancer free” as she begins a gradual return to work this fall.
In a video message released on Monday, Catherine said she was relieved to have finished her preventative treatment after an “incredibly tough” nine months for her family.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus,” she said.
Though her treatment is done, Catherine said her “path to healing and full recovery” will be long. Kensington Palace said she hopes to take on “a handful” of public engagements over the coming months.
WATCH | Princess of Wales provides update on her life and health after finishing chemotherapy:
Catherine, Princess of Wales, says in a video released by Kensington Palace on Monday that the last nine months have been ‘incredibly tough’ for her family, but she’s now in a ‘new phase of recovery’ after completing chemotherapy that should allow her to attend some public engagements in the coming months.
Catherine, 42, began treatment after a planned abdominal surgery in January revealed the presence of cancer.
She made her first public appearance post-diagnosis in June at Trooping the Colour, the annual military parade to mark the official birthday of King Charles, and appeared at the Wimbledon tennis championships in July.
The video released by the palace Monday shows Catherine in Norfolk with her husband, William, Prince of Wales, and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” Catherine said in her statement.
“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.”
Read Catherine’s full statement below:
“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.”