Princess Kate to return for major events as she says she ‘looks forward to being back at work’
THE Princess of Wales is set to return to work and will attend a number of royal engagements after finishing chemotherapy.
In a sweet message from Kate, 42, on Monday, she bravely told how she is continuing “to take each day as it comes” following the news – but is eager to return to her royal duties.
Mum-of three Kate said: “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.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”
Kate will appear at some engagements in the coming months including charity events that are close to her heart, it is understood.
It comes as:
- Princess Kate reveals she has finished chemotherapy and is focusing on being “cancer free”
- Both Kate and William are “grateful” for the support they have received
- Touching video of the family is shared as they play on the beach
- Events Kate is expected to attend revealed
She is also expected to support doting husband Wills in his public appearances, such as at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
It comes after Kensington Palace revealed Kate has already started to work from home on some projects.
In the touching video, Kate also spoke of her relief as she lay her head on William’s shoulder.
The Waleses can be seen enjoying a picnic and playing games with the Middletons in the Norfolk-filmed clip.
Since her shock cancer diagnosis in March, Kate stepped out of the spotlight so she could fully recover.
Princess Kate's statement in full
PRINCESS Kate revealed on Monday that she is now cancer free after completing chemotherapy.
In a statement she said: “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
“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.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
“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.
“To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
At the time, Kate had been absent from official events following major abdominal surgery in January.
She said she initially had no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been “present”.
Sitting on a bench at Windsor for the poignant clip, the royal thanked her husband Prince William for his support.
Her voice also cracked as she said she has broken the news to George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Kate said: “This of course came as a huge shock. William and I have been doing everything I can to process this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine this has taken time. It has taken time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.
“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 OK.
“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
A Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed she started a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February.
It was also announced she would not be returning to public duties for the foreseeable future.
But as she began “making good progress”, the princess was strong enough to briefly return to public duties and stand with the rest of her family at Trooping the Colour in June.
And in July she was welcomed with a standing ovation at the men’s Wimbledon final, where she appeared with daughter Princess Charlotte.
It still remains unclear what type of cancer Kate was battling.
Kate's journey is a tale of two videos - fans will be delighted she is coming back, says Sun's Royal Editor
By Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor
THE princess of wales has delivered the news that everyone has been waiting for – she has finished her round of cancer treatment and will return to a programme of light public engagements.
And she has delivered this news in such a wonderful way with a video message showing her smiling, healthy and enjoying life with William and their children.
It is a tale of two videos in many ways. Back in March she told the world in an emotional video – that made many viewers cry – that she was having preventative cancer treatment saying it was a ‘huge shock’ but she needed to be with her family and said asked for time as we wanted to ‘focus on making a full recovery’
And this new video announcement might make people cry yet again. But this time with happiness as she is surrounded by William, her three children and parents Michael and Carole.
She explains her ‘relief’ at completing chemotherapy treatment and describes how her family has navigated ‘stormy waters’ of what she says was ‘complex, scary and unpredictable’ struggle.
She speaks of her cancer treatment helping her reflect on most important things in life which includes she says of ‘simply loving and being loved’
In her own words she says she is taking each day as it comes” and describes ‘renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life’.
And tells other cancer sufferers that she is by their side.
Now, while we have this wonderful announcement and footage, won’t see the Princess of Wales at any engagements this week but her return to light duties will not be far off.
As I say, it will be a light programme while she continues her recovery in her own words she says she wants to remain cancer free.
Her intention is to appear at Armistice Day commemorations supporting her family and war heroes in November and her Christmas Carol concert in December.
But also think we will see her before that – supporting causes close to her heart.
It was back in February that Kate was diagnosed with cancer. It has been a long struggle and she has been blown away by the support she has received.
In her update the princess has not announced what type of cancer nor what stage it was.
But her return to a handful of engagements is expected to continue until the end of the year.
And if she remains cancer free, use that as a springboard into 2025 when she can put a tough year behind her and a more rigorous and full programme will be in place.
It comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales – along with Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – are said to have spent the summer break at their Norfolk country home Anmer Hall.
Last month Kate was spotted heading to church with Prince William and Prince George up at Balmoral in Scotland.
Prince William said he has been doing the school runs for his family this year while Kate recovers.
But a pal said he has appeared more relaxed and his diary is packed with more engagements as the summer draws to a close and Kate’s condition improves.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kate attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family
July 14: Kate attended the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Princess Charlotte