The Princess of Wales has revealed she is in remission from cancer after making an emotional return to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London, where she received treatment.
In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Catherine expressed her “relief” and shared that she remains “focused on recovery.”
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead,” the princess wrote, signing off the post as “C.”
During her visit to the hospital, Catherine thanked the staff and empathized with cancer patients about the “tough” treatment, reassuring them that there is “light at the end of that tunnel.”
This marks the first time it has been confirmed that the princess is in remission from cancer. She had announced her diagnosis last March and revealed in September that she had completed chemotherapy, stating, “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus.”
Cancer Research UK explains that the term “remission” means there is no sign of cancer after treatment, though some cancers can return, so doctors prefer using “remission” rather than “cure.”
In her social media message, Catherine thanked the Royal Marsden Hospital for its “exceptional” care and for looking after her “so well.” She also expressed gratitude to those who supported her and her husband, William, throughout her journey.
On Tuesday morning, the princess spoke to cancer patients at the Royal Marsden with empathy drawn from her own experiences. This was her most significant solo royal engagement since her treatment ended.
Catherine shared with a woman undergoing chemotherapy: “It’s really tough… It’s such a shock… Everyone said to me, ‘please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference.'”
Now visiting as a supporter rather than a patient, the princess sympathized with those in treatment and described how she is still feeling the long-term effects.
“You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that’s still a real challenge,” she said. “The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient—yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.”
When asked how she was feeling, Catherine said she was doing well but added, “Sometimes from the outside we all think you’ve finished treatment and you go back to things. But it’s hard to get back to normal.”
During her visit, the princess hugged Tina Adumou, who broke down in tears as she shared that her 19-year-old daughter is in intensive care. Catherine comforted her, saying she was in the best possible place.
“I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could do to help. I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that’s going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time,” the princess said. “There is light at the end of that tunnel. Very nice to meet you and best of luck. You are in the best of hands.”
This visit revealed for the first time that the Royal Marsden was the hospital where Catherine received her cancer treatment.
It has been almost a year since the princess’s health issues were first disclosed, starting with an announcement last January that she had undergone abdominal surgery. Catherine announced in a video statement in March that she was in the early stages of cancer treatment and later shared in September that her chemotherapy had ended.
Since completing her treatment, she has gradually returned to public events, including Remembrance Sunday and her Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, which were seen as positive signs of her recovery.
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