The Princess of Wales has opened up about the ‘life-changing’ impact of her cancer diagnosis as the mother-of-three admitted the phase after completing treatment is ‘really difficult’. 

In January, Kate, 43, announced she was in remission from an undisclosed form of cancer as she embarked on a measured return to public duties. 

Over the past six months, the Princess has occasionally spoken about what was, undoubtedly, one of the most trying periods of her life – but yesterday Kate gave what is perhaps the most personal insight into her cancer journey. 

During a moving visit to a cancer wellbeing centre, Kate opened up about the ‘very scary, very daunting experience’ as well as the pressure of putting on a ‘brave face’ while undergoing treatment.

What is even harder, she told fellow patients at the Colchester Hospital, is the phase after when ‘everybody expects you to be better’ while trying to adjust to ‘your new normal’ – as she admitted ‘you’re not able to function normally at home’ like before. 

Kate, who has undertaken a handful of engagements this year, told staff and patients at the hospital: ‘There is a whole phase when you finish your treatment, everybody expects you to be better – go! But that’s not the case at all.

‘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” but actually the phase afterwards is really difficult,’ she continued. 

‘You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to.

The Princess of Wales has opened up about the ‘life-changing’ impact of her cancer diagnosis as the mother-of-three admitted the phase after completing treatment is ‘really difficult’

In January, Kate, 43, announced she was in remission from an undisclosed form of cancer as she embarked on a measured return to public duties.  She is pictured here with her family, husband Prince William and their three children, George (left), Louis (centre), and Charlotte 

‘And actually someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment I think is really valuable.’

She added: ‘You have to find your new normal and that takes time.’

Yesterday’s visit to the hospital in London, where Kate also planted a ‘Catherine Rose’ in the RHS Wellbeing Garden on-site, offered the princess’s most unfiltered reflections on her own ‘new normal’ since being diagnosed with the disease last March. 

She highlighted the importance of of a holistic ‘mind, body and spirit’ approach to recovery, as Kate revealed she had tried acupuncture – a traditional Chinese medicine in which practitioners insert thin needles into specific parts of the body to promote healing and relieve pain – during her journey. 

She also repeatedly emphasising how crucial it is for cancer-stricken patients and their families to find support during the illness – after Prince William admitted his wife and father’s back-to-back diagnoses had been absolutely ‘brutal’ for the Royal Family. 

Kate explained that adjusting to life after cancer is a ‘rollercoaster’ rather than ‘one smooth plane’ while confessing ‘you go through hard times’. 

She also suggested these post-recovery ups and downs go ‘unrecognised’ as Kate shared that one doesn’t ‘appreciate how much impact it is going to have’ after being diagnosed for the first time. 

The cancer wellbeing centre at Colchester Hospital, where Kate spent time yesterday, provides therapy, community groups and holistic treatments including reflexology.

Kate opened up about her cancer recovery journey as she spoke with patients in the hospital’s wellbeing centre on Wednesday, July 2

The Princess at Colchester Hospital’s Cancer Wellbeing Centre and met with patients and staff

‘That first-time diagnosis is a very scary journey,’ she said, referring to the benefits of having an on-site hospital support network where many volunteers have had cancer themselves and survived. Many newly diagnosed patients at Colchester Hospital now visit the centre immediately for counselling and advice.

‘To feel a sense of hope and positivity [from speaking to people who have already been through it] is such a positive thing in what is otherwise a very scary and daunting experience,’ the princess said.

Kate, 43, looked stunning in a smart Blazé Milano beige blazer with pinstripes, retailing at around £1,000, and matching Ralph Lauren shirt as she visited the RHS’s Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital today.

She added the Auree Bali birthstone necklace, with a gem marking her birth month of January.

The royal added tailored brown trousers and a black belt – while giving a more casual effect with rolled up sleeves and white Veja Esplar leather trainers – and adding her engagement ring and Cartier watch.

Since announcing her slow and measured return to public life after revealing she is in remission from cancer, Kate has been the epitome of grace and poise. 

She has appeared happy, relaxed, and typically compassionate during her official outings – including at Trooping the Colour as well as annual Order of the Garter serivice last month. 

Yesterday’s visit to Colchester Hospital was the first time Kate allowed herself to dwell on the more painful aspects of her recovery – months after Prince WIlliam admitted he’s had the ‘hardest year in my life’ after his wife and father’s cancer diagnoses. 

The visit coincides with the donation of 50 Catherine’s Rose plants, named after the princess by the RHS with funds from sales going to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Kate showed off her gardening skills as she planted a rose, which is named after her

King Charles was also diagnosed with the disease last year, weeks before Kate revealed she was undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy last March. 

In a remarkably candid interview last November, William admitted the toll their health challenges had taken during a visit to South Africa for his Earthshot Awards ceremony. 

Slightly sighing and lowering his voice, he said: ‘Honestly? It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.

‘But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.

‘But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.’ 

Kate’s visit to Colchester Hospital on July 2 coincides with the donation of 50 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants, named for The Princess by the RHS with funds from sales going to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, to Colchester Hospital.

Kate even had the opportunity to plant the ‘Catherine Rose’ herself, alongside staff who volunteer in the garden.

The coral-pink floribunda has a rich perfume with hints of Turkish Delight and mango, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) said in its announcement in May.

Now, 500 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants will be donated to wellbeing and community gardens across the UK this summer, including Maggie’s gardens for people affected by cancer, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Horatio’s Gardens for those living with spinal injuries.

The Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital, which opened in July 2024, is a relaxing and restorative space for NHS staff, patients and visitors.