In a moving family video, Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, said she has completed her chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she said in a video released by Kensington Palace Sept. 9.
“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 princess said.
Kensington Palace has said the message was filmed in August in Norfolk by Will Warr, a freelance wedding videographer from London.
Princess Kate announced her diagnosis in a video message posted on her social media channels March 22. The mother of three described her diagnosis as a “huge shock” and said that she and husband Prince William “have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
Prayers poured from around the globe for the princess – a much beloved member of the royal family and a wife and mother of future kings.
Back in March, Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster said, “I salute the courage of the Princess of Wales in speaking so openly about her personal health.
“Not only does she give encouragement to all who carry the burden of ill health, but she also speaks so movingly of the importance of her family life,” the cardinal said March 22.
After nine months of treatment, Princess Kate said Sept. 9 that “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.”
In a video depicting family time in the forest and summer shots both at the seaside and in the countryside, Kate said that “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.”
She also said her battle with cancer is not over.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus,” she explained. “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.”
Princess Kate said she would take upon some royal duties.
“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life,” the princess said.
“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,” she added.
“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.”
