In her first public remarks since skipping the Royal Ascot last month, Kate Middleton has spoken openly about the emotional and physical challenges she continues to face after completing cancer treatment. Visiting a hospital garden on Wednesday, the Princess of Wales shared that the post-treatment phase has been “really, really difficult” and full of unexpected hurdles.
“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,” Kate 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.” She emphasized how important it is to have support after treatment ends, especially during the transition into what she called “your new normal.”
This visit carried deep emotional weight. Not only did Kate speak from personal experience, but her remarks come after she pulled out of a scheduled appearance alongside King Charles at Ascot, raising public concern and fueling speculation about her health. Her team said the withdrawal was made “in the interest of balance”—a phrase that now seems to reflect her need to slow down and heal.
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Nature and Healing Go Hand-in-Hand
Kate’s hospital visit was tied to the opening of a new therapeutic garden, where a rose named in her honor was planted. Her office said she hopes to “raise awareness of the important role that spending time in nature plays in bringing us joy and supporting our mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.”
The princess has long advocated for the healing power of the outdoors. She believes nature has been key in her recovery journey. The garden, now open to patients and staff, symbolizes not just beauty but the resilience and calm that healing spaces can provide.
Kate Recalibrates Life After a Traumatic Year
Since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, which followed major abdominal surgery, Kate has been through an 18-month ordeal described by insiders as taking her “to hell and back.” She announced in September 2024 that chemotherapy had ended and said in January 2025 she was in remission. However, she admits that returning to life as normal has not been simple.
Reports suggest Kate is now “recalibrating her entire life,” rethinking her royal duties and priorities. The impact of her illness, combined with relentless public scrutiny, family tensions, and the king’s cancer diagnosis, has taken a toll.
Despite the sweltering U.K. heatwave, Kate is expected to attend Wimbledon later this week or next. But her future public appearances will be made with caution and on her own terms.
A royal source said, “If she needs more time to recover, Prince William will fight tooth and nail to make sure she gets it.”
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