Catherine, the Princess of Wales has confirmed that it is with “relief” that she has finished cancer treatment.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” she said in a statement.” 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.”
The statement was accompanied by a video montage feature Catherine with her husband and children.
She added she is “looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”
The British royal, who is married to heir to the throne Prince William, has been on sick leave since January, when she was admitted to hospital for “abdominal surgery.” No further details were given at the time.
In March, she revealed an unspecified cancer in its early stages had been found following the surgery and she had begun preventative chemotherapy. She has since been rarely seen in public, bar a brief appearance at British summer parade Trooping the Colour in June, when she joined the rest of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony, and Wimbledon, where she presented men’s winner Carlos Alcaraz with a trophy, the following month.
Catherine’s absence has come at a difficult time for the British Royals, who are traditionally expected to perform a number of ceremonial duties from ribbon cuttings to meetings with foreign heads of state throughout the year. Her father-in-law, King Charles III was also diagnosed with an unspecified cancer at the beginning of the year and has taken a step back while undergoing treatment. Meanwhile the king’s younger brother, the disgraced Prince Andrew, has been effectively barred from public life while his younger son, Prince Harry, has moved to the U.S. with wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
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.
Source Agencies
