In another positive sign that the Prince of Wales recovery is going well, Kate has returned to work for the first time following her cancer diagnosis.
Princess Catherine held a meeting with staff from her Centre for Early Childhood at Windsor Castle on September 17.
“The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle,” an entry into the Court Circular said.
Her attendance at the meeting marks the beginning of the princess’s planned return to work and public engagements over the coming months.
After almost a year of speculation while she dealt with serious health issues, the Princess of Wales finally shared some positive news with fans across the globe on September 9.
Kate announced that she has finished chemotherapy and is focusing on staying cancer free with “a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Kate said in a voice over that accompanied a sweet video giving a candid and unprecedented look at her private home life.
The clip showed Kate and husband Prince William, both 42, lying entwined on a blanket, hugging and kissing their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.
It was taken in August as the family enjoyed the kids summer school holidays at their country estate in Norfolk.
Her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, were also featured playing cards with the Wales’.
“The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” Kate said. “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.”
Kate announced she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in March following an earlier serious abdominal surgery and would be undergoing a course of “preventative chemotherapy”.
She has been well supported during her battle with the disease by William, 41, who put family first as they faced this difficult time.
The prince cut back on his duties to be there for his wife and their kids.
Kate explained that her while her journey had been “complex, scary and unpredictable” it had left the couple with “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 said.
The princess’ new statement in full
“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.
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.
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.”
When is Kate returning to work?
Kate has rarely been seen this year, stepping out just a few times to attend Trooping the Colour and the Wimbledon Men’s Final.
While her presence has been sorely missed by wellwishers, in news that has come as a welcome relief to concerned royal watchers, Kate revealed she is looking forward to “undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months.”
While she isn’t in a rush to get straight back into full time duties, after stressing her “path to healing and full recovery is long” Kate confirmed she was keen to take on more engagements on an adhoc basis “when I can”.
There may not be too long of a wait either. Just a day earlier, British newspaper The Times, reported that Kate could “potentially” join the royal family to pay tribute to fallen service members on Remembrance Sunday on November 10.
They also revealed that the palace is forging ahead with plans for her annual Together at Christmas carols service, in the hopes that she will be able to host the event in December.
What type of cancer did Kate have?
The Princess shared in an Instagram video in March, that she had been diagnosed with cancer following her abdominal surgery in January.
Against a backdrop of yellow daffodils in the gardens of Windsor Castle, as she was filmed by the BBC, Kate shared her shock at the discovery.
“It was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” Kate explained after months of speculation regarding her whereabouts as she recovered from the operation..
“The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation 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.”
Kate has never disclosed the type of cancer she has and has remained largely out of the spotlight as she put her health and family first.
“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” she said.
“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 okay.”
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