Kate, Princess of Wales, says she has completed chemotherapy and will return to limited public duties – Boston Herald

By DANICA KIRKA

LONDON (AP) — Kate, Princess of Wales, has completed chemotherapy and will make limited public appearances in the coming months to support the British royal family, which has been devastated by the princess' and King Charles III's cancer diagnosis.

Prince William's 42-year-old wife released a video on Monday in which she can be seen with her husband and children. In the video, she describes how difficult the last nine months have been for her family and expresses her “relief” at the completion of her treatment.

“Life as you know it can change in an instant and we had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and the unknown path,” she said in the video, which was filmed in a wooded area near the family's summer home in Norfolk. “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for anyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, you also confront your own vulnerabilities in ways you've never considered before and in doing so, you gain a new perspective on everything.”

The royal family has been plagued by health concerns this year, starting with the announcement in January that the king would need treatment for an enlarged prostate and Kate would need abdominal surgery. In February, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was being treated for an unspecified type of cancer. Six weeks later, Kate said she too was being treated for cancer, silencing the incessant speculation about her condition that had circulated on social media since her surgery.

While the announcements sparked a flood of well-wishes for the ailing royals, they also put the royal family under enormous pressure. Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, the king's sister, took on additional duties to cover the seemingly endless list of public events that make up the daily routine of the House of Windsor. William also took time off to support his wife and their three young children.

Charles returned to public service at the end of April when he visited a cancer treatment centre in London. This autumn he will embark on his first long-distance trip since his diagnosis, travelling to Australia and Samoa.

Kate said on Monday that although her chemotherapy is complete, the road to full recovery is long and she will “take each day as it comes”.

“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn a lot of strength from all those helping us during this time,” she said. “We have been truly impressed by the kindness, compassion and empathy shown by everyone.”

In June, the princess admitted that she had good days and bad days during her treatment.

While she has stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate has made two appearances this year, first during the royal birthday parade in June, known as Trooping the Colour, and most recently during the men's final at Wimbledon in July, where she received a standing ovation.

“To all of you continuing your own journey through cancer, I stand with you, side by side, hand in hand,” Kate said Monday.

“Out of darkness comes light, so let that light shine brightly.”

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Associated Press writers Jill Lawless and Brian Melley contributed to this report.

Originally published: September 9, 2024 at 11:34 am