Kate Middleton thanks those who ‘walked by’ her during cancer
Kate Middleton is thanking those who have helped her and husband Prince William during her cancer journey.
She said in a post on social media: “My heartfelt thanks go out to all those who have quietly walked with William and me as we navigated everything.”
“We couldn’t have asked for more.”
She made the statement as she revealed she was in remission from the cancer she had been treated for since February 2024. In September, she said she had completed her chemotherapy treatment.
On January 14, she visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and later announced that she and William have become joint patrons of the body that runs it.
In that role, Princess Kate said she will dedicate herself to helping others going through the same challenges she and her family faced. “In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is that by supporting cutting-edge research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we can save many more lives and transform the experience of all those affected by cancer,” she wrote .
Signing the social media post “C” to indicate it was a personal note from her, Princess Kate said she is “in remission” from the cancer, which has never been revealed, and is “focused on recovery.” Her treatment, she said, has been “extraordinary.”
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis knows, it takes time to get used to a new normal,” Kate added. “However, I look forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you all for your continued support.”
Kate was initially admitted to hospital for planned abdominal surgery in January 2024. However, in March she revealed her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message. During her unannounced visit on January 14, Kate spoke candidly about the challenges she and her family have faced. “You think the treatment is over, so get down to it … daily tasks, but it’s still like a real challenge,” Kate, 43, told staff, according to Daily Mail. “And when you talk… the words totally disappear… understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.”
Kate also said the “continuity” of holistic care “is so important, on good days and bad days,” reported Daily Mail.
“I feel that sometimes it is for the loved ones around us. They need support as much as I did as the patient,” she added.
“The treatments are really so different and so varied, it affects families differently,” the princess said during her visit. BBC reported
“I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, after doing so many quiet, private visits, it’s actually quite nice,” she added of her experience returning to the hospital after completing her treatment.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said of her outing: “The Princess wanted to make the journey both to show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also to highlight the world-leading care and treatment Marsden provides.”
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Princess Kate turned 43 on January 9, and Prince William celebrated his wife with an emotional tribute on social media.
“To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you have shown over the last year has been remarkable,” the Prince of Wales wrote below a new portrait of Princess Kate. “George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy birthday Catherine. We love you. W”
Kate’s outing on Jan. 14 is the latest step in her gradual return to royal duties, and a family friend tells PEOPLE that the royal is wisely prioritizing her health now.” She’s taking care of herself and doing well to do it. She’ll know when she wakes up if she’s well enough (to do anything),” says a family friend.