By Chris Pollard
Kate Middleton announced the good news today that she has completed her chemotherapy and is looking forward to making public appearances again.
The 42-year-old Princess of Wales announced in March that she would undergo treatment for cancer after being diagnosed with it and that she was withdrawing from public life.
In a deeply personal statement to the nation today, she reveals that her family has been through “stormy waters” and that she is fully committed to a life free of cancer.
The moving statement reads:
‘As summer draws to a close, I can’t express what a relief it is to finally have completed my chemotherapy.
‘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 unfamiliar roads.
The Princess of Wales has written a very personal message thanking those who have supported her and saying she has drawn ‘great strength’ from them
The princess announced in March that she was undergoing preventive chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer
Today Kate told the nation her treatment has been completed, although the road to full recovery ‘is long and I have to take each day as it comes’
‘Cancer is a complicated, frightening and unpredictable process for everyone, especially those you love.
‘With humility, it also confronts you with your own vulnerabilities in a way you’ve never considered before, and that brings a new perspective on everything.
‘This time has especially reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple but important things in life that so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is my focus now. Although I have completed chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must take each day as it comes.
‘I look forward to getting back to work in the coming months and, when possible, making some more public appearances.
‘Despite everything that has happened before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for life.
‘William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn so much strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion is truly humbling.
“To all those continuing their own cancer journeys – I will stay with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness can come light, so let that light shine bright.”