Kate finishes chemo, is ‘focused on being cancer free’

The Princess of Wales says she has finished chemotherapy and is now focused on staying cancer free.
In a deeply personal message, and accompanying film showing Catherine and her family, the princess gave her biggest update yet on her cancer journey.
The 42-year-old said she was “entering a new phase of recovery” and that her illness had given her a “new perspective on everything”.
Watch the video above.
READ MORE: Princess of Wales ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free’
Kate said she was “looking forward to undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months”, but that her focus would be on “doing what I can to stay cancer free”.
The message from the Princess of Wales was released on Monday (early Tuesday AEST), following her revelation in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
In the video, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis feature prominently alongside their mother, as does the natural world – pointing to the princess’ love of the outdoors.
And in a rare display of public affection, William and Kate are seen holding hands, kissing and embracing, with Kate resting her head on her husband’s shoulder as they sit on a picnic rug.
The princess said her cancer had reminded her to find gratitude for the “simple yet important things in life”, “of simply loving and being loved”.
READ MORE: Kate expected to make slow return to public duties
Kate said her “cancer journey” had been “complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone”, and that it brought patients “face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before”.
The princess is seen driving a Land Rover through the Sandringham Estate, walking through cornfields and playing cards with her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who have played a central role in her recovery.
The Wales children are filmed climbing trees and scrambling up haybales and playing on the beach with their parents.
READ MORE: Royal family pays tribute to late Queen Elizabeth II, two years on
The Princess of Wales has made just two public appearances – at Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon – since her diagnosis, which came after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January.
Kensington Palace shared the video and message from Kate as the Wales family returned to work and school following their summer holidays.
The family spent time at the Balmoral estate in Scotland with King Charles and at their country home in Norfolk.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
“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 road unknown.
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.
“To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
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