The Princess of Wales has shared a heartfelt message with the public, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received following her cancer diagnosis.
Princess Catherine, who revealed in March that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer, provided an update on her ongoing treatment. She disclosed that while her treatment will continue for several months, she feels well enough to participate in a few public engagements, including attending the Trooping the Colour tomorrow.
Princess Catherine emphasized that she will not resume her full-time public duties but is optimistic about participating in select events in the coming months. Her first public appearance since her diagnosis will be at the King's official birthday parade. She will ride in a carriage with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, and join the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
To mark this announcement, Kensington Palace released a beautiful new portrait of Princess Catherine taken at Windsor by photographer Matt Porteus. The image captures the Princess looking reflective and well. In her message, Princess Catherine expressed how deeply moved she has been by the kind messages of support and encouragement over the past few months, stating that these gestures have made a significant difference to her and Prince William during challenging times.
Princess Catherine shared that her treatment is progressing well, but she candidly spoke about the realities of chemotherapy, noting that there are both good and bad days. She described how, on difficult days, she feels weak and tired and needs to rest. Conversely, on good days, she seizes the opportunity to engage in activities that bring her joy and positivity. She also mentioned that she has started doing some work from home when she feels up to it.
Princess Catherine expressed her excitement about attending the King's Birthday parade with her family and mentioned her hope to participate in a few public engagements over the summer. However, she acknowledged that she is not yet fully recovered and is learning to be patient and take each day as it comes, listening to her body and allowing herself the necessary time to heal.
In her heartfelt message, Princess Catherine thanked everyone for their continued understanding and the many who have shared their personal stories with her. She reiterated how these stories have provided strength and encouragement during her recovery.
Accompanying her message was a new photo of Princess Catherine taken earlier in the week in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The photo shows her wearing a blazer, jeans, and a plain T-shirt, standing under a willow tree and looking up at the sky. This image symbolizes her connection with nature, which she finds supportive during her recovery.
Tomorrow's Trooping the Colour will mark Princess Catherine's first return to the public eye in almost six months, her last public appearance being on Christmas Day. It is understood that she personally informed the King of her decision to attend the event, and he was delighted by the news. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed the King's pleasure, emphasizing that her attendance should not be seen as a return to a full schedule of public engagements.
