Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has shared an update on her health as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis. Despite the ongoing treatment, Kate is set to make her first public appearance on Saturday since her surgery revealed the presence of cancer.
In a heartfelt message released on Friday, Kate expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from around the world. “I have been blown away by the thousands of kind messages following my cancer announcement in March,” she wrote. These messages, she said, have made a significant difference to her and her husband, Prince William.
Kate, 42, candidly discussed the ups and downs of her chemotherapy journey. “I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” she stated. On challenging days, she feels weak and tired, necessitating rest. However, on the good days, she embraces the opportunity to engage in activities and enjoy feeling well.
Kate’s improved health has enabled her to prepare for her first public appearance since last December. She will join her three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, in a carriage during the annual “Trooping the Colour” parade in central London, celebrating the monarch’s official birthday. Additionally, she will join King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony, a highlight of the event.
While Kate is optimistic about participating in more events this year, her aides caution that Saturday does not mark a full return to her usual schedule. “My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months,” she explained. She looks forward to attending the King’s Birthday Parade and hopes to join a few public engagements over the summer, but acknowledges she is “not out of the woods yet.”
Kate spent two weeks in the hospital in January following major abdominal surgery. In March, she announced via video message that tests had revealed the presence of cancer, leading to the commencement of preventative chemotherapy in February. Kensington Palace has not disclosed specific details about the type of cancer or the treatment, emphasizing only that chemotherapy has been ongoing since February.
In her message, Kate highlighted the joy of engaging in school activities and personal interests on days when she feels well. She has started working from home and holding meetings, learning to be patient with the uncertainties of her condition. “Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal,” she shared.
To coincide with her message, a new photograph of the princess was released, showing Kate looking well and relaxed, dressed in a jacket and jeans, standing under a tree on the Windsor estate, where her family resides.
Kate’s health challenges have coincided with those of King Charles, 75, who has also been undergoing treatment for cancer. He returned to public duties in April and has remained active, although his engagements are being managed to minimize risks to his recovery.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson expressed the King’s delight at Kate’s participation in the upcoming events, emphasizing the importance of her presence.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Kate’s bravery and honesty, stating, “I’m sure it will bring an enormous amount of comfort to so many other people who are grappling with similar health challenges.” His remarks were made at a press conference during a G7 conference in southern Italy, underscoring the national significance of her health journey and public return.
William has been a steadfast support for Kate and their children throughout this period. Kensington Palace stated, “He will continue to focus his time on supporting his wife and children, while continuing to undertake his public duties.”
