The Princess of Wales reveals how cancer journeys have ‘moments of fear and exhaustion’ but also ‘strength, kindness and profound connection’ in poignant message
The Princess of Wales told cancer patients they ‘are not alone’ in a deeply personal message on World Cancer Day.
In her touching video message, she reveals how her cancer journey includes ‘moments of fear and exhaustion’ but also ‘moments of strength, kindness and deep connection.’
He said: ‘On World Cancer Day my thoughts are with everyone facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment or finding a path to recovery.
‘Cancer touches so many lives. Not just the patients, but also the families, friends and caregivers who walk alongside them.
‘As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it is not linear. There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But there are also moments of strength, kindness, and deep connection.
‘Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding and hope. Please know that you are not alone.’
The Princess’ account is accompanied by footage of her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital last January, on the day she confirmed she was recovering.
Kate is seen talking to cancer patients in the hospital in the moving video shot to mark World Cancer Day
Princess of Wales tells cancer patients ‘they are not alone’ in touching video message
Princess seen joking with cancer patients as she delivers deeply moving message to support cancer patients
Another clip from the video, shot to mark World Cancer Day, shows Kate speaking to a large group at the Royal Marsden hospital.
The princess underwent major abdominal surgery in January 2024, after which doctors found evidence of cancer and she underwent a grueling course of preventive chemotherapy.
He personally announced the news in a video message in March.
In September of the same year, he also revealed the news that he had completed treatment but warned that his recovery and return to royal duties would be slow but steady.
In January last year, he gave the good news that he had finally entered the recovery process, but once again asked for public understanding regarding his return to public life.
In a message on social media at the time, he said it was ‘relieving that he is now in remission’ from cancer and that he was ‘looking forward to a fulfilling year’.
A source told the Daily Mail that although the princes published the text message last year, this was the first time they had recorded anything and described it as very “personal”.
The Princess of Wales came to visit the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea last January
The Princess of Wales was seen speaking to patients at the Royal Marsden hospital, where she was treated, in January 2025.
The Princess of Wales speaks to patient Peter Burton at the Royal Marsden Hospital last year
The Princess of Wales speaks to patient Richard Bosworth at the Royal Marsden Hospital today
Last year’s visit to the Royal Marsden hospital, of which Kate is joint Patron with her husband, marked her first solo appearance since completing a course of preventive chemotherapy in September 2024.
The mother-of-three wore an all-red suit when she met with patients and staff during her visit last year to thank them for their ‘exceptional care, support and compassion’ over the past 12 months in her battle with cancer.
Describing her treatment as ‘really challenging’, Kate told a patient who was undergoing chemotherapy at the time: ‘It’s such a shock.’
The princess spoke movingly about the ‘resilience’ she has learned throughout treatment and thanked one well-wisher: ‘I think you’ve handled the children incredibly well.’
Last December, as a thank you to the Royal Marsden, the princess donated a ‘magnificent’ Christmas tree from her annual carol service to the hospital’s Sutton branch.
Although Kate has never spoken publicly about the type of cancer she was diagnosed with, she touched on her ‘life-changing’ health struggle in a remarkable gesture of solidarity with others battling the disease.
