Kate Middleton has opened up to speak about her battle with cancer for the first time. The royal, who has now gone back to her royal engagements, spent the majority of the last year battling the disease. Here’s what the Princess of Wales said about putting on a “brave face” while she battled cancer bravely.
In March 2024, Catherine revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. She took time off from royal duties to recover away from the public eye. In September 2024, she revealed that she had completed chemotherapy.
In January 2025, she revealed that she was in remission. Soon after, she returned to her official duties. The royal recently visited the Colchester Hospital in Essex and opened up about her experience battling the disease.
“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,” Catherine revealed. She went on to point out how, after the treatment is done, patients immediately think they can get back to living their normal lives. She notes how that isn’t often the case, and the phase that comes after the treatment is, in fact, “really, really difficult.”
The Princess of Wales looks elegant as she makes a surprise outing to Colchester Hospital https://t.co/xm5ZX6I4SL pic.twitter.com/yQQLkTfB1g
— Tatler (@Tatlermagazine) July 2, 2025
Kate shares how even after you have been discharged from the hospital, you cannot “function normally” a home as you used to. She notes how important it is to have someone who will “talk you through” moments like these. The Princess reveals that having someone who will guide you through that phase is “really valuable.”
The royal also points out that the experience is “life-changing” for patients and their families. “You have to find your new normal and that takes time…and it’s a roller coaster, it’s not smooth, like you expect it to be,” Kate shares. She also speaks about how one has to endure through “hard times” even after they’ve battled the sickness.
KATE MIDDLETON, CATHERINE for Moveable35 I don’t know what to call her anymore. Anyway, I wish her the best and get well. Love you England pic.twitter.com/yExK4AZrmQ
— FAMOUS WOMEN (@Kevin10919728) June 15, 2024
The Princess did not immediately throw herself back into her hectic routine after recovering either. On June 18, she missed a horse racing event that Prince William attended. According to a report from People, the royal was trying to find the balance when it came to stepping back into her role as a working royal.
Kate and William recently hosted a private meeting with Melinda French Gates at Windsor Castle. The late Queen’s spokesperson, Ailsa Anderson, also noted how Kate is intentionally taking it easy on the royal engagements front. “She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life,” Anderson noted.
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