The Princess of Wales has said she is doing what she can to “stay cancer free” after completing chemotherapy treatment and is planning to return to limited public engagements in the coming months.
In a video message released by Kensington Palace on Monday, Catherine said she was relieved that her course of preventive chemotherapy was over after an “incredibly tough” and “scary” nine months for her and her family.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus,” she said.
The princess added that her “path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes”. She referred to “stormy waters” and an unknown road ahead.
Catherine had begun working from home on some projects and would return to a “light programme of external engagements for the remainder of the year”, the palace said.
It indicated that it was not possible at this stage to say whether she was officially cancer-free. Patients are usually declared free of the disease when there has been no detectable cancer in the body for five years.
The princess’s statement said: “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.”
The palace released a three-minute video featuring William and the couple’s three children taking walks and playing games. It was filmed last month on a beach in Norfolk, according to a Kensington Palace spokesperson.
Catherine revealed her cancer diagnosis in March in a video message to the nation. Her news came shortly after her father-in-law, King Charles, had said he was also being treated for cancer. The king has since resumed some public engagements.
On Monday, Kensington Palace declined to give further details about the princess’s illness and treatment, citing her right to medical privacy.
The palace will not provide advance information about Catherine’s public engagements, but she is expected to undertake a handful as part of a gradual return to public duties.
She is likely to be supporting the Prince of Wales at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday in November. She is also working on a carol service to take place in December.
Decisions about the princess’s public engagements next year are expected to be taken in line with medical advice.
Catherine was admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery on 16 January and at the time her condition was thought to be non-cancerous but tests after the operation found cancer.
Her absence from public duties sparked speculation on social media. She said that she and her husband had taken time out to explain her illness to their three children before going public.
In her video statement in March, the princess said she was “getting stronger every day”.
“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful,” she added.
Catherine’s openness about her diagnosis and treatment, and her frankness about the emotional challenges she, William and their children have faced have been praised by experts in the cancer field.
There has been speculation she may take on a closer role with one of the cancer research organisations or charities.
