The Princess of Wales has been praised for giving “hope to many others” with her heartfelt video explaining her progress in her cancer treatment.
Kate used the film, which includes footage of her sharing family time with her husband and children, to announce she had completed her course of chemotherapy.
She said the “path to healing and full recovery is long” and said she “must continue to take each day as it comes” as she looks ahead to returning to public duties.
Dame Laura Lee, the chief executive of Maggie’s charity, which supports cancer patients and their families, said: “It is fantastic news that the Princess of Wales has finished her chemotherapy, and it will benefit so many people living with cancer to see her come through treatment and share this video.
“As the princess said, the cancer journey is complex, and a lot of people can find it tough when they end their cancer treatment and return to work.”
She added: “Your family, friends and work colleagues might think you are back to normal – but the person who has just been through it all can still feel vulnerable and in need of a lot of support.”
A spokesperson for Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We’re grateful to the princess for being so open about her experience as this will no doubt give hope to many others going through similar experiences, and encourage more open conversations about the impact cancer can have on people’s lives.”
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, commended Kate’s bravery and said she had helped to bring “attention to an experience faced by nearly one in two of us, and prompts us all to reflect on our own health and listen to our bodies”.
The video, filmed in the woods and beaches of Norfolk, has also been hailed as a “groundbreaking moment” in how the royal family controls its image.
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski said the “polished” footage, featuring precious family moments and Kate sharing a health update in a voiceover, sets a new precedent, showing vulnerability while staying in command.
“This is film for the YouTube Insta generation – deeply personal yet controlled to convey a family dealing with cancer. A happy family portrait,” he said.
Mr Borkowski added: “It’s groundbreaking, an absolute first – a tectonic shift in how the royal family controls its image.
“Kate’s journey is profound and deeply personal, but they’ve learned that emotion can be controlled – and weaponised – in small, potent doses.
“By doing this through a polished film, they maintain dignity and control while still appearing relatable.”
The footage shot by filmmaker Will Warr over the summer and released by Kensington Palace on Monday is set against audio of the princess’s heartfelt message, in which she confirms she will return to a light programme of public duties following the completion of her chemotherapy course.
Mr Borkowski said: “The household is on the front foot. Let’s not forget that they lost control of the cancer narrative by staying silent.”
He added: “It shows they learnt from earlier mistakes and puts to bed the ghost of the Queen’s management of the media.”
Online conspiracy theories began to escalate about Kate’s health in the months after her abdominal surgery at the start of the year when she was not seen in public.
The princess in the end delivered a bombshell video message to the nation in March revealing she was undergoing chemotherapy after post-operative tests showed she also had cancer.
