ON THE MEND

Kate Middleton Confirms She Is ‘in Remission’ From Cancer

The Princess of Wales made the announcement on social media after visiting the London cancer hospital where she was treated.

Kate Middleton confirmed Tuesday that she is “in remission” from cancer, as she made an emotional visit to the London cancer hospital where she received preventative chemotherapy last year.

The Princess of Wales met with patients and staff and later issued a statement to her social media accounts thanking the staff of the hospital, The Royal Marsden, for looking after her “so well during the past year” after cancer was found when she underwent abdominal surgery.

In the emotionally charged message, she offered “heartfelt thanks to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.”

In a significant update on her health, Kate said: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery.”

Kate has previously described herself as “cancer-free” in a video statement, but her aides had previously discouraged the media from using the phrase or from saying she was “in remission.”

The term usually means that all detectable signs of cancer are gone.

Kate added: “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”

The message was signed “C” for Catherine, to show it was from Kate personally.

During her visit Tuesday, Kate shared her experience of chemotherapy with other patients and revealed that she used an implanted port—also known as a portacath—a small, subcutaneous device only removed once treatment finishes.

PA News said Kate did not use a cold cap, sometimes used to prevent hair loss, during her treatment.

Talking to one patient about chemotherapy, Kate said: “It’s really tough. It’s such a shock.” She spoke of the importance of keeping “a positive mindset,” saying, “it makes such a difference.”

In a previous message, Kate had said she had “good days and bad days” and touched on that theme again Tuesday, saying in a discussion about holistic care: “Continuity is so important, on good days and bad days.”

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Tom SykesEuropean Editor at Large

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