Kate Middleton makes rare and candid comments about her cancer battle

Kate Middleton spoke out about the difficulty of navigating life after her cancer journey.

Catherine, Princess of Wales gestures during a visit to the RHS’s Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital on July 2, 2025 in Colchester, England. 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. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

During a visit to Colchester Hospital in Essex on Wednesday, the Princess of Wales said, “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, really difficult,” per People Magazine.

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. 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.”

Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, revealing she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales smiles during a visit to see the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in Essex, southeast England on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau / POOL / AFP) (Photo by STEFAN ROUSSEAU/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

In September last year, she shared that she had finished treatment, and in January said she was in remission.

During that time, Middleton stepped away from her royal duties, gradually returning for appearances and tours.

She missed the Royal Ascot event in June, but according to People, she said she was disappointed to be missing out but is working to find the right balance of easing back into duties and resting following her cancer treatment.

“She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life,” Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson told the outlet in a recent cover story.

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales plants a rose in RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in Essex, southeast England on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau / POOL / AFP) (Photo by STEFAN ROUSSEAU/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

While visiting the hospital, Middleton planted several “Catherine’s Rose” plants, a flower named in her honor by the Royal Horticultural Society. Proceeds from the sale of the flowers go to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, where she received her cancer treatment. The plants for Colchester Hospital were donated and 500 will be distributed to well-being and community gardens around the U.K.