The Princess of Wales
today revealed she has finished her course of 'preventative
chemotherapy' following her health crisis earlier this year and plans to
undertake a 'light programme' of public engagements over the coming
months.
However she warns that 'doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus' and admits that the last nine months have been a 'scary and unpredictable' time for her family.
The experience, Catherine says, has reminded her and her husband, Prince William,
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.'
The
princess' personal message to the nation is accompanied by a stunning
three-minute long video showing her and William in Norfolk with their
three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, shot last month.
It
shows the family playing happily on the beach and in the woods, William
and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children –
and kissing.
While there is no official statement from Buckingham Palace,
The King and Queen are understood to have greeted today's announcement
as 'wonderful news' and will continue to offer all love, thoughts and
support to The Princess on her continued path to full recovery.
In an
uplifting video message shared today, the Princess of Wales revealed she
has finished her course of 'preventative chemotherapy'
The charming video that accompanied the message was shot last month
Princess of Wales' full statement
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.
'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. '
Referring
to her plans for the coming months, Catherine continues: '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.'
And
she ends it with a deeply moving and emotional message to fellow cancer
patients and their families, saying: '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.'
A source stressed that the
entire Wales family are 'immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful
wishes they have received over the past nine months' and are grateful to
the media for its cooperation in affording her space and privacy.
Catherine spoke of her 'relief' at her programme of chemo finally coming to an end
Kensington
Palace has not confirmed whether the princess expects to return to a
full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions
about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice.
However
sources told the Mail tonight that the Princess hopes to do a small
number of engagements shining a light on some of the causes, issues and
charities that are closest to her heart over the coming months.
They
are only likely to be announced last minute as they will depend as and
when Her Royal Highness feels able to carry them out, with sources
stressing repeatedly that every 'cancer journey is different'.
It is understood that she is also working with staff on plans for her annual carol concert in December.
Catherine is featured in a stunning shot among a seat of summer grasses
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