Catherine, the Princess of Wales, announced that she is making "good progress" in her ongoing chemotherapy treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. The princess, often known as Princess Kate, also revealed her plans to attend the upcoming Trooping the Colour parade on Saturday, marking her first formal public appearance since her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
In a statement released on Friday, which she also shared on social media, Princess Kate expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received during this challenging time. "I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months," she said. "It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times."
The princess, 42, has remained out of the public eye since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March, stating that she would not return to her public duties until cleared by her medical team. Her last formal public appearance was in January, when she was hospitalized for abdominal surgery, during which the cancer was detected.
Alongside her statement, Kensington Palace released a new photo of Princess Kate, taken earlier in the week at the royal family's Windsor estate. In the image, the princess appears outdoors, dressed casually in jeans and a blazer, with her arms folded. The photograph, captured by Matt Porteous, a photographer known for his work with the royal family, offers a glimpse into the princess's life during her treatment and recovery.
I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
I am making good progress, but as anyone going… pic.twitter.com/J1jTlgwRU8 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 14, 2024
In her candid update, Princess Kate acknowledged the ups and downs of her chemotherapy journey. "I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days," she said. "On those bad days, you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well."
Despite the challenges, the princess has been doing some work from home and plans to take on more responsibilities on the days she feels well enough to do so. "On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home," she said.
Princess Kate's announcement comes just days after she missed the Colonel's Review, a formal dress rehearsal for the Trooping the Colour parade, which she typically attends as the honorary colonel of the Irish Guards. In a letter shared by the military unit on social media, the princess apologized for her absence, expressing her hope to represent them again "very soon."
The princess's father-in-law, King Charles III, was also diagnosed with an unspecified cancer earlier this year and has been undergoing treatment. Like Princess Kate, he has gradually eased back into his public duties and plans to attend the Trooping the Colour parade, albeit riding in a carriage rather than on horseback for the procession.
As Princess Kate continues her cancer treatment, which she said will last "a few more months," she remains optimistic about her progress and grateful for the support she has received. "I'm looking forward to attending the King's Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet," she said. "I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal."
