Months after Kate Middleton took her private health struggles public by revealing her “shock” cancer diagnosis, the Princess of Wales has candidly updated us on her current status in a personal video message. In a short film released by Kensington Palace, Middleton joyfully expressed her “relief” to confirm she has “finally completed” her chemotherapy treatment.
Accompanied by her husband, Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9 and Prince Louis, 6, the royal family can be seen enjoying the final days of summer in their Norfolk estate, Anmer Hall. The residence was speculated to be where Middleton had retreated to in her recovery, a process she now describes as “complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you”.
In a voice-over accompanying the shoot, Middleton opens up about how this year has deeply affected her and profoundly shaped her outlook on life. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” she said. “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.”
Middleton added that her ongoing battle reminded herself and Prince William 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.”
The 42-year-old also reiterated that her focus now remains on doing whatever she can to stay cancer free.
“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 noted. The former Duchess of Cambridge advised that she looks forward to returning to work and “undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months” where possible.
She concluded her statement by sharing her thanks for the outpouring of love she received from the global community and delivered a message for those facing similar fights. “Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life,” she continued.
“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.”
Middleton first divulged her condition in an impactful plea for privacy amid concerns for her welfare and chatter about her “disappearance” following a botched photoshop scandal dominated the news cycle.
At the time, she shared that the planned abdominal surgery she underwent in January led to the discovery of malignant cells in her body. Further tests led to her diagnosis, which she initially kept private to recover from the major surgery and start treatment, but most importantly to “explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be ok”.
Middleton made her first public appearance since breaking the news at this year’s Trooping The Colour and subsequently briefly returned to work to fulfil her role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon. Watch Middleton’s tender video in full below.
This article first appeared on GRAZIA International.
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