After months of courageously managing her diagnosis and undergoing preventative chemotherapy, the Princess of Wales has stepped forward once again—this time, offering an honest reflection on what happens after treatment ends.

Kate Middleton, who announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, confirmed her chemotherapy was complete by September of that year. Since then, she’s gradually returned to public life, making appearances at hospitals and royal engagements. But her latest comments, shared during a visit to Colchester Hospital’s wellbeing garden on July 2, show that the recovery journey is far from linear.

“Post-Treatment Is Really, Really Difficult”

Speaking candidly to patients and caregivers, Kate described the post-treatment phase as unexpectedly tough: “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,” she said. “Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.”

In a moment of personal vulnerability, the mother of three admitted that she hasn’t quite returned to her pre-diagnosis rhythm at home. “You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to.”

Finding a “New Normal”

Kate’s reflections strike a chord with many cancer survivors who say the end of treatment doesn’t mean the end of the journey. She emphasized the importance of having guidance and emotional support in navigating this transition: “Someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you… is really valuable.”