Princess of Wales finishes chemotherapy, says she's focused on staying 'cancer-free'
Catherine says she plans to take on some public engagements this fall
Catherine, Princess of Wales, says she has finished her chemotherapy treatment and will focus on staying "cancer-free" as she begins a gradual return to work this fall.
In a video message released on Monday, Catherine said she was relieved to have finished her preventative treatment after an "incredibly tough" nine months for her family.
"Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus," she said.
Though her treatment is done, Catherine said her "path to healing and full recovery" will be long. Kensington Palace said she hopes to take on "a handful" of public engagements over the coming months, noting that she has already begun to do some work from home.
Catherine, 42, began treatment after major abdominal surgery in January revealed the presence of cancer. The palace has declined to give any further details about the type of cancer, the stage of her illness or other specifics about her treatment, other than to confirm the preventative chemotherapy started in February.
She made her first public appearance post-diagnosis in June at Trooping the Colour, the annual military parade to mark the official birthday of King Charles, and appeared at the Wimbledon tennis championships in July.
The video released by the palace Monday shows Catherine in Norfolk with her husband, William, Prince of Wales, and their three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. Her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, are also seen playing board games with their grandchildren.
"The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," Catherine said in her statement.
"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."
'Very personal' update, royal editor says
The video, which was filmed last month in Norfolk, northeast of London, shows Catherine spending time with her husband, children and parents. She said she and William, who is heir to the British throne, were grateful for the messages of support they'd received from around the world.
Roya Nikkhah, the royal editor at The Sunday Times, said the princess was unusually candid about her emotions throughout the statement. The video, she said, was also very personal — especially with the appearance of Catherine's parents, who are rarely seen with their daughter or grandchildren.
"[Catherine] has chosen to share a few of these very personal updates about how she has been feeling, how she's felt, her outlook," Nikkhah told CBC News in an interview Monday. "The words in the language together with the video.... they're intimate.
"I think it's a way of just showing the public she's got through this with the support of her family."
Read Catherine's full statement:
"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."
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With files from Chris Brown
