The Princess of Wales has revealed that she is now in remission from cancer, marking an emotional return to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London, where she received treatment. In a heartfelt social media message, Catherine expressed her “relief” and reflected on the challenging journey of adjusting to a “new normal” after a cancer diagnosis.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead,” she shared, signing the post with a simple “C.”
During her visit to the hospital, Catherine thanked the dedicated staff and empathetically spoke with cancer patients, reassuring them that despite the tough journey, there is “light at the end of that tunnel.” It is the first time that the princess has confirmed she is in remission, following her earlier announcement in March of her diagnosis and her completion of chemotherapy in September. She had previously expressed her focus on staying cancer-free.
Cancer Research UK defines “remission” as a state where there is no sign of cancer following treatment, though some cancers may recur, which is why the term “remission” is used rather than “cure.”
In her social media message, Catherine also expressed gratitude for the “exceptional” care provided by the Royal Marsden, thanking both the hospital and the individuals who supported her and her family during this time. “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,” she wrote.
During her visit, the princess spoke directly to cancer patients, offering empathy based on her own experiences. She shared with a woman undergoing chemotherapy, “It’s really tough… It’s such a shock… Everyone said to me, ‘please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference’.”
As Catherine arrived at the hospital as a visitor rather than a patient, she reflected on the long-term effects of cancer treatment, noting that the recovery process is not always as simple as it seems. “You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that’s still a real challenge,” she said, acknowledging that there are lingering side effects that patients often continue to face even after treatment ends.
When asked how she was feeling, Catherine confirmed she was doing well but highlighted that recovery is a complex journey. “Sometimes from the outside, we all think you’ve finished treatment and you go back to things. But it’s hard to get back to normal,” she remarked.
This visit marks Catherine’s first major engagement of 2025, where she not only visited the hospital but also took on the role of joint royal patron of the Royal Marsden, alongside Prince William, who has been a patron for some time. The hospital, which treats 59,000 patients annually, was founded in 1851 as a specialist cancer hospital. Catherine now joins a lineage of royal patronage, following in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales.