This time, she avoided doing it herself. She did it thanks to an exquisite video recording, made by director Will Warr. Princess of Wales, Kate Middletonannounced this Monday through this video of just over three minutes and published on social networks, that he had finished his chemotherapy treatment and that he would resume a “light” schedule of public engagements.
The Princess of Wales had been absent from public life since last March, after announcing her illness the same month in another video that shocked the country and silenced all rumors about her public absence. Since then, she has focused on her treatment, although she was seen last June at the official celebration of King Charles III's birthday. He witnessed the parade known as Parade of colors and took part in the greetings from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
In the video, recorded last month in Norfolk with her husband, Prince William, and their three children, the princess describes the “turbulent waters” of her experience with the disease as “complex, terrifying and unpredictable.” “Humility also confronts you with your own vulnerabilities in a way you never have before and with a new perspective on your entire life,” Middleton says in her own voice, which can be heard throughout the recording. “My road to healing and full recovery is a long one and I have to continue to enjoy each day that comes,” she adds.
Kensington Palace told the BBC, however, that it was too early to guarantee that the princess had fully recovered. “I look forward to returning to work and taking on other public engagements in the coming months, when I am able to do so. Despite everything I have experienced before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for life. Guillermo and I are very grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from everyone who is helping us at this time,” the Princess of Wales said.
British media are already talking about two possible official celebrations during which Middleton could reappear. The most important would be Memorial Day, Remembrance Daythe closest thing to a national holiday for the British. The country is awash with poppy wreaths and the royal family comes, along with the government, to pay their respects at the Cenotaph, the monument on Whitehall Avenue in London that honours those who have fallen in all wars. The date of the celebration will be next Sunday, November 10.
The princess may also attend some Christmas celebrations, such as the traditional carol reception at Westminster Abbey.
Knowing what's happening outside means understanding what's going to happen inside, not missing anything.
Strength and fragility
The video's scenery is meticulous down to the smallest details. The Princes of Wales hug, kiss, rest together on the grass. Kate Middleton rests her head on her husband's shoulder. Play with the children, who have fun with the camera and show signs of joy and happiness. The princess manages to convey courage and fragility, vulnerability and firmness, serenity and energy. “I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and a new way of appreciating life,” he says.
Despite all the attacks, rumors and false information that Middleton suffered during the months in which she decided to keep the illness she suffered private, the message in which she announced her recovery avoids any reproach. “The kindness, empathy and compassion of everyone has humbled me,” he says.
The princess ends her message with words of encouragement for cancer patients: “To all those who are continuing their own journey through cancer, I will stand by your side, holding your hand. Light can come out of the darkness. Let that light shine,” he said.
A message from Catherine, Princess of Wales
As summer draws to a close, I can't tell you what a relief it is to finally be done with my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in a moment… pic.twitter.com/9S1W8sDHUL
– The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 9, 2024