On the same day that Kate Middleton visited The Royal Marsden hospital, where she received cancer treatment for the last year, she shared on social media that she is currently in remission.
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” the Princess of Wales wrote. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
In the same post she expressed her gratitude to the hospital “for looking after me so well during the past year. My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
The Princess of Wales also referenced her new role, alongside the Prince of Wales, as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, adding, “my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.”
Kate’s mother-in-law, Diana, once served as the President of The Royal Marsden, a role the hospital noted that her husband, William, held since 2007.
The Princess of Wales originally checked into hospital last January for abdominal surgery. She announced in March that cancer had been found – news that came a month after her father-in-law, King Charles III, revealed his own cancer diagnosis. In September, she announced that she’d completed chemotherapy and that “my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.” She has slowly transitioned back into her work duties since, last appearing in public alongside the Royal Family for Christmas celebrations in December.
On the occasion of her 43rd birthday last week, Prince William shared a previously unseen photo of the Princess of Wales with the message, “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you.”
The Royal Marsden Hospital Visit
Kate’s visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital was the first time in more than a year that she’s appeared at a public engagement by herself.
The Daily Mail, which chronicled her visit, reported that as she arrived through the front door, she said that “Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.”
The Princess, who noted that she’d made private visits to the hospital before today’s public engagement, met with patients currently undergoing cancer treatment.
The Daily Mail also recollected some of her interactions with patients, including telling one person that “There is light at the end of that tunnel … You are in the best of hands.” To another, she spoke of the difficulties of undergoing cancer treatment.
“’The resilience you need to get through, first of all, a small taster of what you’ve gone through … It’s to keep coming back … to be as positive as you are. The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently.”
Kate told another patient about her experience with a port implant that delivered her medicine, joking that she hesitated when it was time to remove it because “I got so attached to it.”
She also spoke often about the importance of positivity as a coping mechanism during the treatment process.
“The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides,” a royal spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
Kensington Palace, meanwhile, added that while the Princess visited the Royal Marsden Hospital today, her return to regular public engagements remains a gradual process.
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