Princess Kate announces she has finished the 'challenging' chemotherapy treatment for her cancer

The Princess of Wales, Catherine, has announced that she has completed her chemotherapy and is eager to resume work as she moves into a "new phase of recovery" after her illness. In a statement released by Kensington Palace on Monday, Princess Kate revealed the news, which she had been fighting cancer for less than six months.

Since receiving her diagnosis, the princess, also known as Kate, has only appeared in public twice. Her diagnosis was received soon after Christmas, when she had significant abdominal surgery.

“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” said Kate, 42, who is married to the heir to the British throne, Prince William.

“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus,” she continued. “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.”

Despite having completed her chemotherapy, Kate stated that she will continue to prioritize her full recovery and only resume a "light program" of public appearances.

"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," Kate said.

Kate expressed her gratitude for the public's and her family's support throughout her medical journey. What kind of cancer the princess was diagnosed with has never been disclosed by the royal family.

"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."

Kate, William, and their three children—Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George—are shown strolling through forests, having picnics, playing on sand dunes, and splashing in the water in a video message that depicts scenes from an English summer.

“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,” Kate says in the video message.

After a protracted period of time spent away from the public eye and intense speculation regarding Kate's health, Kensington Palace eventually stated that her surgery had been performed for a non-cancerous stomach illness. However, Kate later disclosed her diagnosis in a video message in March.

Only a few weeks after King Charles III revealed in February that he too had been afflicted with cancer, her illness took the nation by surprise. It is unknown what kind of cancer the royal couple is being treated for.

The first six to 24 months following chemotherapy are typically the "most critical period" for cancer patients, according to Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society. This is because any indications of cancer cells emerging soon after chemotherapy would suggest a resistance to the particular type of chemotherapy.

He added that the negative effects of chemotherapy varied according to the patient's age and the kind of treatment.