The Princess of Wales has said that a cancer journey brings “moments of fear and exhaustion” but also “moments of strength, kindness, and profound connection”.
In a video released to mark World Cancer Day, Kate, who announced that she was in remission from cancer last year, described how the disease “touches so many lives”.
In the short film, which shows her official visit to The Royal Marsden hospital in Chelsea last year, the princess said: “On World Cancer Day, my thoughts are with everyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment or finding their way through recovery.
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“Cancer touches so many lives. Not only patients, but the families and friends and caregivers who walk beside them.
“As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it’s not linear. There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness, and profound connection.
Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding and hope. Please know you are not alone.”
Kensington Palace described the video as “a reflection on the non-linear nature of a cancer journey from diagnosis through to recovery”.
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Previously, the princess has spoken about experiencing “good days and bad days” as she recovered from cancer and has said that she would prioritise “doing what I can to stay cancer-free”.
Kate, 44, was diagnosed with cancer after major abdominal surgery in January 2024.
Kate with Peter Burton, who has Multiple Myeloma, a cancer which affects the bone marrow
CHRIS JACKSON/PA
In March of that year, she recorded a video in which she said that she had endured an “incredibly tough couple of months” after her diagnosis, which came as a “huge shock”.
She said: “Tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”
The chemotherapy, which took place at the Royal Marsden in southwest London, began in late February 2024 and required the princess to enter through a back door to maintain her privacy and prevent her from being seen by other patients before her announcement.
The Princess of Wales posted the video on Instagram
She made an emotional return to the hospital in January 2025 after being announced as the hospital’s joint patron alongside her husband, the Prince of Wales.
As she arrived, she joked that she had made “so many quiet visits” in “secrecy”, adding that it was “quite nice” to finally see the reception area. She told staff: “I’m so grateful for all the care and support I’ve received here.”
Earlier this year, the princess was joined by William as she visited Charing Cross Hospital to meet patients, families and health workers.
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A volunteer who worked on a chemotherapy ward told the princess: “People sit there for hours.”
Kate said: “I know.” She then touched William and said: “We know.”