Princess of Wales says 'it's a relief to now be in remission' from cancer
In a statement on social media, Kate offered her heartfelt thanks to those who helped her and her husband Prince William, describing her time as a patient as being "exceptional".
Tuesday 14 January 2025 18:34, UK
The Princess of Wales has said "it is a relief to now be in remission" from cancer and she is "looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead" as she thanked staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital for her "exceptional" care.
It is the first time Kate has used the word remission to describe where she is in her cancer journey since she announced she was undergoing treatment in March last year.
A message on social media, signed 'C', said: "I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.
"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.
"We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."
Writing about progress in her treatment, she said: "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain 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. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."
It is the first time Kate, 43, has used the word remission to describe where she is in her cancer journey.
Kensington Palace has stressed that she would continue to return to public-facing engagements, but gradually.
The palace described the visit as reflecting her "own personal cancer journey".
The visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in southwest London on Tuesday was Kate's first solo public engagement since returning to official duties.
She met patients and staff and spoke of the care she received.
It also marked the announcement that she had become joint patron of the specialist cancer unit with her husband, William.
She underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy after major abdominal surgery a year ago revealed the presence of an unspecified form of cancer.
Princess used visit to reflect on personal journey
It was almost a year ago that we were all shocked to hear that the princess had been admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery. We all now know how those difficult following months unfolded.
So this first visit of the new year by the Princess of Wales was the most public of thank yous to those who supported and treated her at the Royal Marsden.
It's not a fleeting show of appreciation, with the confirmation that Kate will now become a joint patron for the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation, joining Prince William's long held link with the hospital.
Just like the King, it shows that highlighting the incredible work of medical professionals and the human side of what it's like to face a cancer diagnosis is clearly now an integral part of how the Princess wants to use her very public profile.
In terms of what it means for how much we'll see of Kate this year, Kensington Palace was keen to stress that the guidance around her return to public-facing engagements hasn't changed and that would continue to be gradual.
Today was about visiting the Marsden to reflect on her own personal journey.
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In September, she confirmed she had finished her chemotherapy in a highly personal video message.
Kate spoke of how hard her illness had been on her, William and their three young children, Princess Charlotte, 9, Prince George, 11 and Prince Louis, 6.
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King Charles has also been undergoing treatment for cancer.
A Buckingham Palace source has said that was moving in a positive direction and would continue this year.