‘It’s a relief’: Princess of Wales shares emotional update on her health journey
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Health battles can be deeply personal, often testing the resilience and spirit of those facing them.
When a public figure shares their journey, it sheds light on the challenges many endure silently.
A recent revelation has brought one such story to the forefront, offering a glimpse into the strength it takes to navigate life-changing circumstances.
The Princess of Wales visited the hospital where she received cancer treatment to thank the staff and connect with patients, sharing her relief at being in remission.
During an unannounced visit to the Royal Marsden in London, described by palace aides as a pivotal moment in her ‘personal journey’, Princess Catherine reflected on the shock of her diagnosis and encouraged patients to stay positive and embrace ‘the things that give you joy’.
It was the first time the hospital where the princess underwent chemotherapy last year was publicly confirmed.
As she arrived through the hospital’s main entrance, she remarked: ‘Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.’
Later, in a post on social media, the princess expressed her gratitude, writing: ‘Thank you to the hospital for looking after me so well for the past year.’
She also thanked ‘all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.’
Princess Catherine added: ‘It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. 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.’
During her hour-long visit, the princess spoke openly about her treatment experience, sharing with one chemotherapy patient: ‘It’s really tough. It’s such a shock. Everyone said to me please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference.’
She also noted the importance of staying warm during treatment, saying: ‘When I came in everyone said make sure you have all your warm things [clothes] on,’ because of chemotherapy side-effects.
Reflecting on her recovery, she said: ‘I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight.’
She highlighted the challenges of post-treatment recovery, saying: ‘Sometimes you feel relatively well, and then you have another one. Sometimes from the outside we all think you’ve finished treatment and you go back to things. But it’s hard to get back to normal.’
She urged patients to focus on small joys, adding: ‘It makes you appreciate all the small things in life that you take for granted.’
When speaking to a patient whose machine began beeping mid-conversation, she commented: ‘I recognise that beep.’
Discussing the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis, Princess Catherine noted: ‘It’s the uncertainty of that initial diagnosis. It’s such a wealth of information. Understanding the diagnosis, it’s a massive amount of information to take on as a patient. Having that continuity, in the clinical setting and outside in the home setting, is so important.’
She acknowledged the ongoing challenges of recovery, saying: ‘You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that’s still a real challenge. The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient, yes there are side-effects around treatment but actually there are more long-term side-effects.’
A Kensington Palace spokesperson explained that the princess’s visit was intended to express gratitude to the Royal Marsden’s medical team and spotlight the hospital’s world-class care.
The visit marked nearly a year since Princess Catherine underwent abdominal surgery at the London Clinic on 16 January 2024, during which her cancer diagnosis was discovered.
It was also announced that she had become a joint patron of the Royal Marsden hospital trust alongside her husband.
The palace emphasised that her return to public-facing duties would be gradual, stating: ‘Today was about visiting the Marsden to reflect on her own personal journey.’
What strategies or small moments of joy have helped you or someone you know through a challenging journey? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments.
When a public figure shares their journey, it sheds light on the challenges many endure silently.
A recent revelation has brought one such story to the forefront, offering a glimpse into the strength it takes to navigate life-changing circumstances.
The Princess of Wales visited the hospital where she received cancer treatment to thank the staff and connect with patients, sharing her relief at being in remission.
Princess Catherine reflects on her cancer recovery journey. Image source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
During an unannounced visit to the Royal Marsden in London, described by palace aides as a pivotal moment in her ‘personal journey’, Princess Catherine reflected on the shock of her diagnosis and encouraged patients to stay positive and embrace ‘the things that give you joy’.
It was the first time the hospital where the princess underwent chemotherapy last year was publicly confirmed.
As she arrived through the hospital’s main entrance, she remarked: ‘Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.’
Later, in a post on social media, the princess expressed her gratitude, writing: ‘Thank you to the hospital for looking after me so well for the past year.’
She also thanked ‘all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.’
Princess Catherine added: ‘It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. 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.’
During her hour-long visit, the princess spoke openly about her treatment experience, sharing with one chemotherapy patient: ‘It’s really tough. It’s such a shock. Everyone said to me please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference.’
She also noted the importance of staying warm during treatment, saying: ‘When I came in everyone said make sure you have all your warm things [clothes] on,’ because of chemotherapy side-effects.
Reflecting on her recovery, she said: ‘I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight.’
She highlighted the challenges of post-treatment recovery, saying: ‘Sometimes you feel relatively well, and then you have another one. Sometimes from the outside we all think you’ve finished treatment and you go back to things. But it’s hard to get back to normal.’
She urged patients to focus on small joys, adding: ‘It makes you appreciate all the small things in life that you take for granted.’
When speaking to a patient whose machine began beeping mid-conversation, she commented: ‘I recognise that beep.’
Discussing the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis, Princess Catherine noted: ‘It’s the uncertainty of that initial diagnosis. It’s such a wealth of information. Understanding the diagnosis, it’s a massive amount of information to take on as a patient. Having that continuity, in the clinical setting and outside in the home setting, is so important.’
She acknowledged the ongoing challenges of recovery, saying: ‘You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that’s still a real challenge. The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient, yes there are side-effects around treatment but actually there are more long-term side-effects.’
A Kensington Palace spokesperson explained that the princess’s visit was intended to express gratitude to the Royal Marsden’s medical team and spotlight the hospital’s world-class care.
The visit marked nearly a year since Princess Catherine underwent abdominal surgery at the London Clinic on 16 January 2024, during which her cancer diagnosis was discovered.
It was also announced that she had become a joint patron of the Royal Marsden hospital trust alongside her husband.
The palace emphasised that her return to public-facing duties would be gradual, stating: ‘Today was about visiting the Marsden to reflect on her own personal journey.’
What strategies or small moments of joy have helped you or someone you know through a challenging journey? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments.
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