Catherine, Princess of Wales, Announces She Is Cancer Free

In a heartwarming video message, Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

"As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," the former Kate Middleton began her lengthy message on Instagram.

The Princess mentioned that she is now focused on staying cancer free.

She wrote, "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."

ALSO READ: Kate Middleton Says She Has Cancer, 'A Huge Shock' For Her Family

Catherine last provided an update on her cancer treatment in June, a day before she made her first public appearance at Trooping the Colour since announcing her health setbacks.

In her last health update, she revealed she was still going through chemo and had a few months of treatment left.

Here's what Catherine has shared about her cancer journey and treatment.

Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis

The Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis on March 23 of this year. Neither she nor the Royal Family has specified what type of cancer she was treated for. She only revealed that it was discovered following an abdominal surgery in January, and that she was undergoing "a course of preventative chemotherapy."

“At the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous," she said in the video. "The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.”

Catherine added that the news of her cancer diagnosis came as a “huge shock,” noting that she and her husband, Prince William, were aiming to “manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” she said. “But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.”

The Princess also assured the viewers that she is "well and getting stronger every day." She then asked for "time, space and privacy" as she undergoes treatment and said she is focused on making a "full recovery."

Kate Middleton's abdominal surgery

Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Catherine underwent an abdominal surgery in mid-January this year.

The Kensington Palace wrote in a statement, "The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

The Princess then returned home to Windsor to recover around late January, according to a palace statement, which added, "She is making good progress.”

Will Kate be returning to her royal duties soon?

In her September 2024 statement, Kate revealed she's getting ready to return to work "in the near future."

"I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can," she said.

A timeline of Kate Middleton's health

January 2024

In mid-January, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine had undergone "planned abdominal surgery." She was discharged from London Clinic, a private hospital, less than two weeks later.

At the time, the Palace said that she would be recuperating for three months after her surgery and that Prince William would be postponing appearances in the coming months while his wife recovered.

February 2024
William did not attend his godfather’s memorial service due to a "personal matter." But Kensington Palace later confirmed that it was due to his wife’s sudden cancer diagnosis.

In late February, as rumors about Kate's health and whereabouts mounted, the Palace issued another statement about her recovery, explaining that her absence from the public eye shouldn't be unexpected.

May 2024

William's public comments on his wife’s health have been minimal, but during a mid-May appearance, he shared an update when visiting St. Mary’s Community Hospital in the U.K. after a hospital administrator reportedly asked him about his wife.

"He said, 'She's doing well, thanks,'" hospital administrator Tracy Smith told reporters, according to the Associated Press.

June 2024

On June 14, Catherine released her first remarks on her cancer treatment since revealing her diagnosis. She shared that she is "not out of the woods" with her treatment and that she still has "a few more months" of chemotherapy left.

September 2024

Catherine announced on social media that she is cancer free.

Click here to read the story of a mom who survived breast cancer and learn how she prepares her daughter for the future.