Princess Kate says life after cancer is a 'roller coaster'
Kate, 43, shared publicly to the shock of many in March 2024 that she would undergo a course of chemotherapy after tests taken following major abdominal surgery revealed that an unspecified form of cancer had been present, weeks after her father-in-law, King Charles III, announced his own cancer diagnosis.
She completed the course of treatment in September, the princess shared in a video posted to social media at the time. In January she announced her cancer was in remission after an appearance at the hospital where she was treated.
"You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually the phase afterwards is really, really difficult," Kate said during a visit to Colchester Hospital in Essex, southeast England, on Wednesday, July 2.
Speaking to staff, patients and volunteers at the hospital, the princess emphasized the importance of support after treatment, noting that while patients may no longer be under clinical care, they often still struggle to "function normally at home" as they once did. "And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable," she added, according to People.
Princess Kate opens up about cancer experience at hospital where she got treatment
Kate described the cancer diagnosis and treatment as "life-changing" for both patients and their loved ones. "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," she said, according to the outlet. "But the reality is you go through hard times."
The princess has been gradually resuming her public royal role but missed the Royal Ascot horse racing event in June, with husband Prince William attending the royal procession at the horse racing event in southern England solo.
Contributing: Reuters; Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
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