Kate speaks of ‘hard times’ during cancer ordeal
Source: Prince and Princess of Wales
The Princess of Wales has spoken openly about having to put on a “brave face” throughout her cancer ordeal last year, describing it as a life-changing experience.
Kate, 43, had chemotherapy in 2024 after tests following major abdominal surgery revealed an unspecified form of cancer.
She completed the treatment in September, and announced earlier this year she was in remission.
Kate shared parts of her cancer story on a visit without husband Prince William to Colchester Hospital in Essex, south-east England, on Thursday (AEST).
Speaking to staff, patients and volunteers at the hospital, the princess emphasised the importance of support after treatment.
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“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment, treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal’, but actually the phase afterwards is really … difficult,” she said.
She noted that while patients may no longer be under clinical care, they often still struggled to “function normally at home”.
Kate described a cancer diagnosis and treatment as “life-changing” for patients and their loved ones.
“It’s life-changing for anyone, through first diagnosis or post treatment and things like that; it is a life-changing experience both for the patient but also for the families as well.
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“Actually it sometimes goes unrecognised; you don’t necessarily, particularly when it’s the first time, appreciate how much impact it is going to have.
“You have to find your new normal and that takes time… and it’s a roller-coaster, it’s not one smooth plane, which you expect it to be.
“But the reality is it’s not; you go through hard times,” she said.
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The princess said time was needed to recover.
“There is this whole phase when you finish your treatment that you, yourself, everybody, expects you, right you’ve finished your time, go, you’re better, and that’s not the case at all,” she said.
The princess has gradually resumed her public royal role but missed the Royal Ascot horse racing event last month. A royal source cited her need for balance following her cancer treatment.
-with AAP
