Kate reveals she is in remission from cancer

The Princess of Wales has revealed she is in remission from cancer after making an emotional return to hospital where she received treatment.

In a post on social media, Catherine expressed her “relief” and said she remained “focused on her recovery”.

“As anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer knows, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. However, I am looking forward to a busy year ahead,” the princess wrote in the message, which she signed “C”.

Earlier, during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London, Catherine thanked staff and empathized with cancer patients over “harsh” treatment, but reassured that there was “light at the end of this tunnel”.

This is the first time it has been confirmed that the princess is in remission from cancer.

She announced her diagnosis last March before revealing in September that she had completed chemotherapy, saying: “Doing what I can to avoid cancer is my goal now.”

According to Cancer Research UK, the word ‘remission’ means that after treatment there are no signs of cancer.

The charity says some cancers can come back, which is why doctors tend to use the word remission and not ‘cure’.

In her social media post, Catherine thanked the Royal Marsden Hospital for their “outstanding” care and for “looking after her so well”.

She added: “My sincerest thanks go to everyone who walked quietly alongside William and I as we went through everything. We couldn’t have asked for more.”

On Tuesday morning, the Princess spoke to cancer patients at the Royal Marsden with the empathy of her own experiences, in her most significant solo royal engagement since finishing treatment.

Catherine told a woman undergoing chemotherapy: “It’s really difficult… It’s such a shock… Everyone said to me: ‘Please keep a mental state positive, it makes such a difference.”

Arriving now as a visitor rather than a patient, the princess sympathized with those undergoing treatment – and described how she still felt the long-term effects.

“You think the treatment is over and you can move on and get back to normal, but it’s still a real challenge,” she said.

“The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects from the treatment, but actually there are longer-term side effects.”

When asked how she was feeling, Catherine said she was fine, but added: “Sometimes from the outside we all think you’re done with treatment and you’re getting back to what you’re doing. But It’s hard to get back to normal.”

The princess hugged Tina Adumou, who burst into tears as she recounted that her 19-year-old daughter was in intensive care.

Putting an arm around her, Catherine looked emotional and told her she was in the best place possible.

The princess said: “I’m sorry. I wish I could do more to help. I wanted to come and show my support for the incredible work that’s being done here, and for those who are undergoing treatment and going through such a difficult time.”

Catherine added: “Are you okay? Yes?”, then said with a smile: “There is light at the end of this tunnel. Very happy to meet you and good luck. You are in good hands.”

The princess’s visit was the first time it was revealed that the Royal Marsden was the hospital where she was undergoing cancer treatment.

It’s been almost a year since the princess’ health problems were first revealed, with the announcement last January that she had undergone abdominal surgery.

Catherine then announced in a video statement in March that she was in the early stages of cancer treatment – and published a video in September saying that she chemotherapy was over.

Since finishing her treatment, she has gradually returned to more public events, including Remembrance Sunday and her Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, which have been seen as positive signs of her recovery.

The princess has now made her first big commitment of 2025: a return to the hospital where she was treated, visiting those who helped her at the Royal Marsden, which specializes in cancer treatment and research.

Catherine became joint royal patron of the hospital, with Prince William already a patron.

Diana, Princess of Wales, was a former royal patron.

The Royal Marsden, which treats 59,000 patients each year, was founded in 1851 as a specialist cancer hospital.