Watch: Princess of Wales announces she has finished chemotherapy
The Princess of Wales has appeared in a deeply personal video with her family to confirm she will return to public duties following the completion of her chemotherapy course.
In a heartfelt message, Kate indicated she is now cancer free, saying: “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus.”
Her message was narrated over images showing her, Prince William and their children walking through woods with the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands.
The message is a significant update of the Princess of Wales’s health following her announcement on 22 March this year that she as undergoing treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy.
What we know
In the statement, Kate said she has finished her chemotherapy treatment after an “incredibly tough” nine months. The cancer was discovered following abdominal surgery in January.
But she said there was a “long” way to go before she has fully recovered. “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus,” the princess said in her message.
“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.”
Kate also says in the statement that she is planning to make more public appearances, having attended two public events – Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon – after revealing her diagnosis in March.
She said she is “looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”
It is believed Kate is working towards appearing with the royal family at the annual Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, while she has begun working with her team on her Christmas carol concert to be held at Westminster Abbey.
What we don’t know
The statement does not provide any more details on what type of cancer Kate was diagnosed with. After revealing her diagnosis earlier this year, Kensington Palace said: “We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do.”
It is unclear how serious he condition was following the initial diagnosis nor how advanced the cancer was. Most types of cancer have four stages, stage 4 being the most serious.
And while Kate has she plans to return to public life, it is not clear how quickly she will increase her public engagements and to what extent.