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By Jack Royston
Chief Royal Correspondent
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Princess Kate has given an update on her cancer fight, revealing that her chemotherapy treatment has come to an end.
Her deeply personal video included candid footage of her playing with her children and hugging Prince William and let fans know she will be returning to work in the months to come but not full time.
Kate acknowledged that the experience has fundamentally changed her outlook on life, reminding her of the importance of "simply loving and being loved."
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And the palace will be hoping the major update ensures Kate is not subject to wild speculation of the kind that filled social media in the first few months of 2024.
Kate's Video Message in Full
In her video message, she said: "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.
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"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 [Prince] 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."
A Health Crisis
In January, Kate was admitted to the London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery for a condition that doctors initially believed was not cancerous.
However, after the operation further tests showed that cancer was present, and she began a course of what she described as "preventative chemotherapy" in late February.
The medical team believed the cancerous tissue had been removed, while the chemotherapy was aimed at ensuring nothing was missed.
However, Kensington Palace did not initially reveal her diagnosis, and when there were no post-surgery photos of her, speculation became rampant on social media that the palace was hiding something.
Kate then revealed she had cancer in a March video message in which she asked for time and privacy to heal.
It was not until King Charles's birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, in June that she made her comeback, appearing in public for the first time in 2024.
In July, she attended the Wimbledon men's singles final before spending August on holiday with her family.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all appeared in her emotional video, laughing, joking and enjoying games like any other group of siblings.
The video also offered a rare glimpse into the role Kate's mother and father, Carole and Michael Middleton, play as grandparents. It is perhaps the most access she has ever granted the public to her private, family life.
Jack Royston is Newsweek*'s chief royal correspondent, based in London. You can find him on Twitter at @jack_royston and read his stories on* Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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