After battling cancer for most of the last year, Kate Middleton says she is now in remission.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, who confirmed she had cancer last March after months of speculation about her health and well-being, said on Tuesday that she was focused on recovery.
“It's a relief to be in remission now and I remain focused on recovery,” she said in an interview opinion posted on social media. “As anyone who has ever received a cancer diagnosis knows, it takes time to adjust to the new normal. However, I am looking forward to a fulfilling year. Thank you everyone for your continued support.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and husband Prince William, who is first in line to the British throne, were named joint patrons of the Royal Marsden – the cancer hospital where Catherine was treated last year – on Tuesday. Since 2007, William has been President of the Royal Marsden, a position previously held by his mother, the late Princess Diana.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Royal Marsden for looking after me so well over the past year,” Catherine said in her statement. “My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who quietly accompanied William and me as we mastered everything. We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we received throughout my time as a patient was exceptional.”
In her new role, the 43-year-old Princess hopes to save more lives and transform the experiences of everyone affected by cancer by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting the well-being of patients and families.
Catherine's health problems and subsequent royal missteps became a topic of global discussion early last year when Kensington Palace announced that she would have to take a break from royal duties following “serious abdominal surgery” in January. Intense speculation about the princess's withdrawal from the public eye led to months of concern about her condition and whereabouts.
In March, she announced her cancer in a poignant video message, following reports that her medical records at the London Clinic had been allegedly manipulated by hospital staff. She began treatment in late February and announced in September that she had completed it, confirming that she would soon return to light public duties.
The announcement of Catherine's patronage was made on Tuesday during her visit to the Royal Marsden's Hospital in Chelsea. There, the mother of three met with patients who were being treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
“We had the honor of welcoming Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning and are delighted that Her Royal Highness, together with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, are now joint patrons of our specialist cancer center.” said Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Palmer said William has been “a wonderful supporter of our work for almost two decades” and that his and Catherine's royal patronage of staff and patients is inspiring and “allows us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff do every day.” Patients and their families provide.”
During her visit on Tuesday, Catherine opened up about some of the side effects she experienced after her cancer treatment, including speech problems and brain fog.
“You think the treatment is over, carry on with it… daily tasks, but this is still a real challenge,” she told hospital staff Daily Mail. “And when you talk… the words completely disappear… when you understand that as a patient, while there are side effects associated with the treatment, there are actually more long-term side effects.”