Karmactive Staff
Princess Kate spoke openly about her ongoing cancer recovery challenges during her first public appearance since missing Royal Ascot. Visiting Colchester Hospital’s Wellbeing Garden on July 2, 2025, the 43-year-old royal revealed that life after treatment remains difficult despite being in remission.
“You put on a brave face through treatment. Treatment Is done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually the phase afterwards is really, really difficult,” Kate told patients at the hospital’s Cancer Wellbeing Centre.
Kate, who announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, completed chemotherapy in September that year and entered remission in January 2025. She described recovery as an unpredictable process rather than a smooth return to normal life.
“You’re not under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you once used to,” she explained. “You have to find your new normal and that takes time…it’s a roller coaster, not smooth like you expect.”
Nature played a key role in her healing journey. Chief Scout Dwayne Fields, who recently joined Kate on an outing, shared her words: “During my recovery, I spent a lot of time outdoors because that’s where I felt at peace.”
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Kate’s health journey began with abdominal surgery in January 2024, when tests discovered cancer, leading to preventative chemotherapy. She stayed mostly out of public view until completing treatment in September. Though in remission since January 2025, she continues balancing recovery with gradually resuming royal duties.
“She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life,” said Ailsa Anderson, Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman, to People Magazine.
During her hospital visit, Kate planted a “Catherine’s Rose,” named in her honor by the Royal Horticultural Society. Sales of these roses will support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, where Kate received treatment and now serves as joint patron.
Kate stressed that cancer affects whole families, not just patients. “It’s life-changing for anyone, through first diagnosis or post-treatment,” she said. Her comments highlight how recovery challenges continue long after medical treatment ends.
The Princess has slowly returned to public duties in 2025, appearing at events like Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter service in June. Her unexpected absence from Royal Ascot on June 18 raised questions about her health. This hospital visit shows her ongoing effort to balance royal work with recovery needs. Kate’s candid words about continuing struggles even after treatment ends offer insight into cancer recovery – a process that isn’t simply “over” when remission begins, but requires ongoing patience, support and adjustment to a new normal.
