The Princess of Wales has shared that she is now in remission from cancer after an emotional visit to the hospital where she was treated.
In a social media post (Instagram), Catherine expressed her “relief” and said she is staying “focused on recovery.”
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“Anyone who has faced a cancer diagnosis knows it takes time to adapt to a new normal. However, I am looking forward to a positive and fulfilling year ahead,” she wrote, signing the post as “C.”
During her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London, Catherine thanked the staff and spoke with cancer patients about the challenges of treatment. She reassured them that there is “light at the end of that tunnel.” This is the first time it has been confirmed that the Princess of Wales is in remission from cancer.
She first shared her diagnosis last March and later announced in September that she had completed chemotherapy. At the time, she said: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus.”
According to Cancer Research UK, “remission” means there is no sign of cancer after treatment. However, because some cancers can return, doctors often use the term remission instead of “cure.” In her social media message, Catherine expressed gratitude to the Royal Marsden Hospital for its “exceptional” care and for supporting her so well during treatment.
She also thanked those who have supported her and Prince William during this journey, saying: “My heartfelt thanks go to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more.”
‘It’s really tough’
On Tuesday morning, the Princess of Wales spoke with cancer patients at the Royal Marsden, drawing on her own personal experience in her most significant solo royal engagement since finishing treatment.
Catherine told one woman undergoing chemotherapy: “It’s really tough… It’s such a shock. Everyone told me, ‘please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference.'”
Now visiting as a guest rather than a patient, the princess expressed sympathy for those in treatment and shared that she is still dealing with long-term effects.
“You think the treatment is over, and you can move on and get back to normal, but that’s still a real challenge,” she said.
She explained further: “The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient – yes, there are side effects from treatment, but there are also more long-term effects.”
When asked how she was feeling, Catherine said she was doing well but added: “Sometimes from the outside, people think once you’ve finished treatment, you can go back to normal. But it’s hard to get back to that.”
The Princess of Wales embraced Tina Adumou, who broke down in tears as she shared that her 19-year-old daughter was in intensive care. With an arm around Tina, Catherine appeared emotional and reassured her that her daughter was in the best possible place.
“I’m sorry,” the princess said. “I wish there was more I could do to help. I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work being done here and for those going through treatment during such a hard time.”
Catherine then asked gently, “Are you okay? Yes?” She smiled and added: “There is light at the end of that tunnel. Very nice to meet you, and best of luck. You are in the best of hands.”
This visit marked the first public confirmation that the Royal Marsden was the hospital where the princess had received cancer treatment.
It has been nearly a year since Catherine’s health challenges were first made public, starting with an announcement last January that she had undergone abdominal surgery. In March, she shared in a video statement that she was in the early stages of cancer treatment, and in September, she announced that her chemotherapy had ended.
Since completing her treatment, the princess has gradually returned to public engagements, including Remembrance Sunday and her Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey. These appearances have been seen as encouraging signs of her recovery.
The princess has made her first major appearance of 2025 by visiting the hospital where she received treatment. She returned to the Royal Marsden, a hospital known for its cancer care and research, to meet the staff who helped her.
Catherine is now a joint royal patron of the hospital, alongside Prince William, who has been a patron for some time. Diana, Princess of Wales, was also a royal patron of the Royal Marsden in the past. The hospital, founded in 1851 as a specialist cancer center, treats 59,000 patients every year.
Catherine’s visit to the Royal Marsden not only highlighted the incredible work of the hospital but also served as a powerful reminder of hope and resilience in the face of challenges. As she continues her journey of recovery and returns to her royal duties, the princess’s story inspires countless others facing similar struggles. Her words and actions echo a message of strength, compassion, and the importance of supporting one another during life’s toughest moments.