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British Royals

The Princess of Wales finishes chemotherapy: what we know about Catherine’s latest health update

The Princess of Wales has confirmed she has completed the preventative chemotherapy which she has been undergoing since earlier this year. Catherine announced that this stage of her treatment is over and that she is now focused on a new chapter and remaining cancer free.

As she shared her news in a video that showed her, Prince William and their three children enjoying time together in Norfolk, she also said she was looking forward to returning to some more royal duties. Here’s what we know about The Princess of Wales’ latest health news.

Chemotherapy over for the Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales spoke with happiness as she announced that the preventative chemotherapy she has been undergoing is now over. Catherine said ”As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.

Kensington Palace

She added that ”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 Princess of Wales began chemotherapy in late February with her treatment lasting around six months.

The Princess added ”The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”

A right to medical privacy – like everyone else

As Catherine shared her news, her focus was on her family and moving forward. Kensington Palace hasn’t revealed what kind of cancer the Princess has been treated for and it won’t – Her Royal Highness has the same right to privacy as everyone else.

Kensington Palace

The Palace has stuck to updates when needed, revealing that the Princess of Wales had undergone major abdominal surgery in mid January and announcing then that she would need at least two months to recuperate.

The Princess of Wales at Trooping the Colour in June
(Stephen Lock / i-Images)

It was Catherine herself who announced she was being treated for cancer in a personal video in March 2024. She also released a statement ahead of her first major appearance this year, when she joined the Royal Family for Trooping the Colour.

A phased return to royal life

In her latest statement, Catherine says she is ‘‘looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”

The Princess of Wales at Wimbledon, her second appearance of 2024
(Stephen Lock/ i-Images)

It’s understood she will take on more public engagements as she feels able and that she will continue to work from home, as she has done in the past months, on her big projects including the Early Years Foundation.

Kensington Palace/ X/ still/ fair use

The Princess gave an indication of how much she has been dealing with, saying ”despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”

Health remains her number one priority

The Princess of Wales said her recovery was ongoing, noting that ”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.”

Prince and Princess of Wales/ X still/ fair use

And she said of her diagnosis that ”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.”

All those on similar journeys are in her thoughts

The Princess of Wales has spoken previously of her support for and empathy with all those going through cancer treatment and their loved ones. She underlined that in her new statement, saying ”To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand.”

Kensington Palace

She spoke of her appreciation for the support she has had, noting ” 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.”

She had special words for all those going through similar experiences, adding ”out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.