Kate Middleton has opened up about her ongoing recovery from cancer, describing the aftermath of her treatment as a “rollercoaster” and admitting that returning to normal life has been “really, really difficult.”
The Princess of Wales, 43, revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 after months of speculation about her absence from royal duties. At the time, she shared that what was initially believed to be a non-cancerous abdominal condition turned out to be cancer, discovered after major surgery in London.
A Rollercoaster Journey
In her original video message announcing the diagnosis, the princess explained:
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.”
She confirmed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy and emphasized the importance of explaining the situation to her three young children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — in a way they could understand.
By September 2024, Middleton announced she had completed her chemotherapy, and in January 2025, she shared that she was in remission. Despite the good news, she has taken a cautious approach to resuming royal duties, prioritizing her health and recovery.
Taking Time to Heal
The princess was due to make a joint appearance with Prince William at the Royal Ascot in June 2025 but withdrew at the last minute. Insiders close to the royal family have said she is determined not to rush her return to public life.
Speaking to People, Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson described Middleton’s approach as measured:
“She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life.”
In a new statement during a hospital garden visit in Essex, Middleton opened up about how difficult the post-treatment stage has been. She said:
“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,” she explained. “Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.”
Middleton revealed that while she is no longer under constant clinical supervision, she is still not able to function at home as she once did.
“You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to,” she said. “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.”
The princess stressed the importance of having someone to talk to during what she described as a “life-changing” journey.
“You have to find your new normal, and that takes time,” she said. “And it’s a roller coaster, it’s not smooth, like you expect it to be. But the reality is you go through hard times.”
Middleton’s hospital visit carried a special meaning: she toured a therapeutic garden, underscoring her personal connection to nature throughout her cancer journey. She told staff and patients that spending time outdoors was where she felt most at peace.
The princess has long championed the role of nature in wellbeing, having previously spearheaded projects highlighting the benefits of green spaces for children’s mental health. Her comments reinforced how central the outdoors has been to her own recovery.
Looking Ahead
While Middleton has signaled she intends to return gradually to her public role, her latest remarks are a reminder of the challenges faced by cancer survivors long after treatment ends.
Her candid reflections mark a rare glimpse into her personal struggles, balancing her health, her family life, and the expectations of being a senior royal.
As she told those at the Essex hospital: finding peace, patience, and perspective has been crucial — and she continues to adjust to her “new normal,” one day at a time.
Featured image credit: Carfax2 / UK Government
I am glad that Kate is feeling better. As for the scum who try to snoop through their phones, I would wish similar things for their lives but they probably don’t have lives. Who would want to be around them?