For the Princess of Wales, 2024 was a life-changing year. The mother of three started a course of chemotherapy that February, and completed her treatment months later.
Nearly a year after her major abdominal surgery, which first prompted her extended absence from the public eye in 2024, Catherine shared her "relief" to now be in remission.
"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," she penned following an unannounced visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, London in January of 2025. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn't have asked for more."
It was during that engagement that Catherine described chemotherapy as "really tough" and revealed she had a port for treatment, telling one patient: "I got so attached to it."
© GettyThe Princess has likened finding her new normal after treatment to a "roller coaster." "You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal again,' but actually, the phase afterwards is a really difficult journey," she's said.
Catherine's health journey these past few years has admittedly changed her in more ways than one. After completing the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and awareness for the importance of holistic healthcare, the Princess wrote: "Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear. What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually."
"The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts. Cancer doesn't just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life," she added. "I know this personally, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone."
Throughout her journey, the Princess has consistently reminded others that they are not alone.
"Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, bravery isn't just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through. Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported. Please know you are not alone."
Take a look back at Catherine's journey from her shocking chemotherapy reveal to giving back...
The diagnosis
The royal mom of three announced on 22 March 2024 that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy. She explained in a video message that at the time of her abdominal surgery earlier in the year, her condition was believed to be non-cancerous. However, post-operative tests found cancer had been present.
"My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment," Catherine shared. "This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said that the Princess and Prince William had wanted to share the news when they "felt it was right for them as a family".
In her message, Catherine revealed: "As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.
"As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."
© GettyWhat type of cancer did the Princess of Wales have?
The type of cancer was never revealed by Kensington Palace in order to keep the Princess' personal health and medical records private.
Why did the Princess of Wales have surgery?
The Princess underwent planned abdominal surgery in January of 2024, though Kensington Palace did not disclose the reason for the procedure, explaining that it was Her Royal Highness' "wish that her personal medical information remains private."
© GettyOn January 17, 2024, the palace announced that Catherine had been admitted to the hospital the day before for the surgery. In a statement, the palace shared: "The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."
"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private. Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share," the statement continued. "The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
How long did the Princess stay in hospital?
Thirteen days after being admitted to the hospital, the Princess left the London Clinic on January 29, 2024 to continue her recovery from surgery at home in Windsor. Following her discharge from the hospital, it was noted that Catherine was "making good progress."
© GettyWhen was the Princess' cancer discovered?
Although it was thought that the Princess' condition was non-cancerous at the time of her abdominal surgery, post-operative tests found that cancer had been present.
When did the Princess start cancer treatment?
Catherine began a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February of 2024.
Public appearances amid cancer treatment
Royal watchers were thrilled when the Princess made her first official public appearance of 2024, joining the royal family at Trooping the Colour that June. Ahead of the outing, Catherine released a message with an update on her treatment.
"I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well," she wrote. "My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home."
She also penned that she was "looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade" with her family and hoped to join a few public engagements over the summer, but noted that she was "not out of the woods yet."
Catherine concluded her message writing: "I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal. Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me."
The Princess of Wales wore a white and navy Jenny Packham dress for her Trooping the Colour appearance that year. She and her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, travelled in the carriage procession to watch the ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.
© GettyThey then joined the Prince of Wales, the King and Queen and other senior working royals on the balcony to watch the flypast.
© GettyA month later, Catherine was given a standing ovation by the crowd on Centre Court at the Men's Wimbledon final, which she attended with her daughter Charlotte and her sister, Pippa Matthews. The royal looked regal in a purple Safiyaa London dress as she watched the action between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, later presenting the trophy to winner Alcaraz on the court.
The end of chemotherapy
Less than six months after her shock cancer announcement, the Princess revealed that she had completed chemotherapy. Catherine shared the news in a personal video message featuring her husband, their three children and her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. The sanctuary the Princess of Wales found in the natural world was represented in the video, which was filmed in Norfolk that August.
In the voiceover, Catherine opened up about her "incredibly tough" nine months, describing her cancer journey as "complex, scary and unpredictable."
"As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," Catherine said in the video. "With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."
She continued: "Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
"William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright."
In remission
For her first public appearance of 2025, the Princess returned to the Royal Marsden, which is where she received treatment the previous year. Following the solo engagement, the royal shared in a personal message that she was now in remission.
"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," she penned. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."
"In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer," she added. "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. 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."
Giving back
Just over 17 months after confirming she was in remission, the Princess of Wales completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours.
© The Prince and Princess of Wales"Lots of people have asked me why I'm doing this challenge, and partly - it's personal. I'm so grateful to be here, to be strong enough to walk these hills. But, more importantly, it's to give something back and acknowledge, really, all the incredible work going on up and down this country," Catherine said in a video filmed beforehand.
"I've met some incredible people - those people who are living with and beyond cancer - and I know personally how difficult that journey is," she continued. "And I really wanted to use this opportunity as my way of contributing to all the wonderful work that's going on, and in particular to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity - an organisation very dear to me, but who do extraordinary work supporting those living with and beyond the disease."
Similarly, after scaling Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon, the Princess explained that she took on the challenge "not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back." With the challenge, Catherine wanted to highlight the importance of holistic care and to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
"Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through," the Princess said. "Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported. Please know you are not alone."
Timeline of Princess Kate's health updates
© Getty25 December 2023 – Kate is last seen publicly on Christmas Day
9 January 2024 – Kate celebrates her 42nd birthday, with the King and Queen sharing a behind-the-scenes photo from the coronation to mark the day.
11 January 2024 – William returns to royal duties, meeting rugby heroes Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
17 January 2024 – Kensington Palace announces in a statement that Kate has undergone abdominal surgery at the London Clinic and that William has temporarily stepped back from royal duties to care for Kate and their children.
18 January 2024 – William visits Kate at the London Clinic.
26 January 2024 – King Charles visits Kate in hospital before undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate.
29 January 2024 – Kate is discharged from hospital and returns home to Windsor to continue her recovery. King Charles also leaves the London Clinic on the same day after his treatment.
7 February 2024 – William resumes royal duties attending London's Air Ambulance Charity gala with Tom Cruise.
10 February 2024 – William and Kate spend February half-term with George, Charlotte and Louis at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall. Kate's siblings are also pictured on holiday during the school holidays, with James Middleton and Alizee Thevenet flying to the Caribbean with baby Inigo, and Pippa Matthews and her family holidaying on the island of St Barts.
27 February 2024 – Kate said to be "doing well" as William pulls out of King Constantine memorial due to a "personal matter".
29 February 2024 – Kensington Palace addresses social media speculation, reiterating: "We were very clear from the outset that the Princess of Wales was out until after Easter."
10 March 2024 - A photograph of Kate with their three children at home in Windsor is released to mark Mother's Day and to thank the public for their "continued support".
11 March 2024 - Kate publicly apologises for the "confusion" around the photograph as she admitted she "occasionally experiments with editing," after news agencies pulled the image amid claims it had been digitally altered. The Princess is then seen in a car with William as she's driven to a private appointment in London.
19 March 2024 - Footage of William and Kate leaving the Windsor Farm Shop is shared by The Sun and TMZ in the first video sighting of the Princess since surgery.
22 March 2024 - Princess Kate confirms that she has been diagnosed with cancer in a moving video message and is undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
18 April 2024 - Prince William returns to royal duties after spending Easter holidays privately as a family.
10 May 2024 - Prince William says Kate is "doing well" as he visits the Isles of Scilly.
21 May 2024 - Princess Kate is "excited" as Kensington Palace shares update on her early years work with the release of her Business Taskforce's prioritising childhood report.
8 June 2024 - Princess Kate writes letter to Irish Guards to apologise for not being able to take part in the salute at the Colonel's Review.
14 June 2024 - In a personal statement, Kate shares she is making "good progress" and that her "treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months".
15 June 2024 - Kate makes her first major public appearance since diagnosis at Trooping the Colour.
14 July 2024 - Kate watches the Men's final at Wimbledon with Princess Charlotte and Pippa Matthews.
11 August 2024 - William and Kate congratulate Team GB athletes in a video message after the Paris 2024 Olympics.
9 September 2024 - Kate confirms she's completed chemotherapy in moving video message.
10 October 2024 - Kate joins William on visit to bereaved families in Southport.
9/10 November 2024 - Princess attends Festival of Remembrance and Remembrance Day service at Cenotaph.
3 December 2024 - Kate greets Emir of Qatar alongside William during state visit.
6 December 2024 - The Princess of Wales hosts her Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
25 December 2024 - William and Kate attend the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham with the royals.
14 January 2025 - The Princess confirms she's in remission after visiting The Royal Marsden hospital in London - where she was treated.
