Catherine, Princess of Wales, has announced that she has completed her chemotherapy and is focusing on maintaining her cancer-free status as she gradually returns to public life in the coming months.


In a deeply personal video released on Monday, Catherine, who revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, shared that she is entering a “new phase of recovery” with renewed hope and a deeper appreciation for life.


The princess, often known as Kate, has made only two public appearances since her diagnosis, which followed major abdominal surgery shortly after Christmas. 


“With summer coming to a close, I am immensely relieved to have finished my chemotherapy treatment,” said Kate, 42, who is married to Prince William, the heir to the British throne. “My focus now is on doing everything I can to stay cancer free. Even though my chemotherapy is complete, the journey to full recovery is still long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”


The video, filmed last month in Norfolk, shows Kate, William, and their three children—Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George—enjoying time together in nature, including walks through forests, picnics, and beach outings.


Reflecting on the past nine months, Kate acknowledged the challenges her family has faced. “The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable, especially for those closest to you,” she says in the video. “This time has reminded William and me to appreciate the simple yet essential things in life, such as love and being loved.”


Kate expressed her eagerness to return to work and plans to undertake a few public engagements in the coming months, while keeping a light schedule to support her continued recovery.


Kensington Palace had initially described Kate’s surgery as addressing a non-cancerous abdominal condition. However, following extensive speculation about her health and a prolonged absence from public duties, Kate publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in March. This news followed a similar revelation by King Charles III in February, though neither royal has disclosed the specific type of cancer they are treating.


In her initial announcement, Kate noted that her chemotherapy was a preventative measure intended to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Dr. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, explained that preventative chemotherapy is commonly used after surgery to help prevent cancer from returning.


In June, Kate reported “good progress” in her recovery and expected her treatment to continue for a few more months. Her first public appearance since Christmas Day was at the Trooping the Colour ceremony, where she joined Charles and other family members on the Buckingham Palace balcony.


In July, Kate received a standing ovation at the Wimbledon men’s singles final, where she attended with Princess Charlotte.


A royal source shared with CNN that King Charles and Queen Camilla consider Kate’s progress to be “wonderful news” and will continue to offer their love, thoughts, and support as she moves toward full recovery.