Kate Middleton provides big health update on her chemotherapy, reflects on navigating 'stormy waters'

LONDON, ENGLAND: Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has provided a health update six months after publicly announcing her cancer diagnosis.

The 42-year-old, wife of Prince William and mother of three, shared her journey through cancer treatment in a video message released by Kensington Palace on Monday.

Kate Middleton opens up about her 'complex' cancer journey

The Princess of Wales spoke about her relief after completing chemotherapy and her plans to gradually return to work. After undergoing what was described as “planned abdominal surgery” in January 2024, Middleton announced her diagnosis in March.

Since then, she has been largely absent from public engagements, focusing on her treatment and recovery.

In the video message, filmed in August from Norfolk, England, as ABC News noted, Middleton expressed how challenging the last nine months have been for her family.

“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” she shared, adding, “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."

Reflecting on her experience, she described the cancer journey as “complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone.” She also shared how it has given her and Prince William a "new perspective" on life.

“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,” said the Princess.

What type of cancer did Kate Middleton have?

Kate Middleton has not publicly disclosed the exact type of cancer she faced, nor the full details of her treatment. The palace previously stated she underwent "preventative chemotherapy" after her surgery in January.

The most common types of cancer discovered through abdominal surgery are gastrointestinal, such as colon or stomach, or genital or urinary, Dr Ben Ho Park, director of precision oncology at Vanderbilt School of Medicine, told TODAY.

However, he pointed out that “it could be anything.”

The Princess had been undergoing preventative chemotherapy after having been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer earlier this year in March 2024.

In her latest video, she noted the relief she felt after finishing chemotherapy but acknowledged her healing journey was not over.

“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” said Middleton. “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus,” she added.

She stressed that while chemotherapy is behind her, the road to full recovery remains long.

“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,” she shared.

Kate Middleton plans to take on additional public duties

Despite her ongoing recovery, Kate Middleton expressed her eagerness to gradually return to public life. She shared her plans to take on more public engagements in the coming months.

“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can,” she said in the video.

Throughout her treatment, Middleton made a few public appearances, including at Trooping the Colour in June and Wimbledon in July, where she was seen alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte, nine.

Prior to Trooping the Colour, Middleton provided an update on her progress in June, saying she was “making good progress” but was still not “out of the woods yet.”

At the time, she said her treatment would continue for a few more months and expressed joy in being able to engage in school life and spend time on personal activities that brought her positivity.