“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” Kate Middleton said (File)
Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, said Monday she had completed preventive chemotherapy treatment for cancer, saying the treatment had given her a new perspective and made her feel grateful for “simply loving and being loved.”
Kate, 42, wife of heir to the throne Prince William, underwent major abdominal surgery in January which revealed the presence of cancer and has been undergoing treatment ever since.
In a personal message accompanying a unique video of her with her husband and three young children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, Kate said she would carry out some public engagements later this year but said her road to full recovery would be long.
“As summer draws to a close, I cannot express to you the relief I feel at having finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she said in her message.
“The last nine months have been incredibly difficult for us as a family. Life as we know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate turbulent waters and uncharted paths.”
Kate made her first public appearance since her health problems emerged in June, at the annual military parade to mark King Charles's official birthday. In July, she appeared at the Wimbledon tennis championships.
Her office, Kensington Palace, has declined to elaborate on the type of cancer or any specifics about her treatment, other than to say that preventative chemotherapy began in February.
'SCARY'
“The cancer experience is complex, frightening and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” she said.
“Humility also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you've never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
“This moment has reminded William and I above all to reflect and be thankful for the simple but important things in life that many of us often take for granted. The simple act of loving and being loved.”
In the video, which was filmed in Norfolk, eastern England, last month, the princess looked well and healthy.
The film shows the family walking through the woods, cricket bat and ball in hand, and Kate lying on a beach with William. Other images show her pushing Louis on a swing and her parents playing a board game.
She and William were grateful for the global messages of support, she said, adding that she looked forward to returning to public duties when she could, although her schedule for the rest of the year would remain light.
“I am now focused on doing everything I can to remain cancer-free. Although I have completed chemotherapy, my road to healing and full recovery is a long one and I must continue to live each day as it comes,” said the princess, who is often referred to by her maiden name, Kate Middleton.
“Despite everything that has happened so far, I enter this new stage of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for life… To all those who continue their own journey against cancer: I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. From darkness can come light, so let that light shine brightly.”
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