Kate Middleton shares emotional cancer update after missing Royal Ascot

Kate Middleton has opened up about her cancer treatment in a new public appearance after missing the Royal Ascot last month, admitting one aspect has been 'really, really difficult'.

The 43-year-old revealed her cancer diagnosis following surgery back in March last year, confirming to royal fans that she had begun preventative chemotherapy.

Nine months later, Kate announced the completion of her chemotherapy and revealed she was starting her journey of recovery amidst a gradual return to her royal duties.

In October, she then made her first post-treatment public appearance with her husband, Prince William, as the pair visited families impacted by the Southport attacks.

In January of this year, the mother-of-three made a solo visit - her first solo public outing since chemo - to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she thanked the staff and confirmed that she was now in remission.

Today (2 July), Kate visited Colchester Hospital’s wellbeing garden where she planted 'Catherine’s Rose' to support cancer recovery.

Kate Middleton, 43, has shared an emotional update on her cancer recovery journey following a visit to Colchester Hospital today (2 July) (WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

During the visit, which marked her first appearance since missing Royal Ascot a few weeks back (18 June), she spoke candidly about the emotional and physical 'post‑treatment phase', sharing that the process has been 'really, really difficult'.

"You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult," she explained.

"You're not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you're not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to," Kate continued.

The Princess of Wales candidly shared that the recovery process has been 'really, really difficult' (Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

"And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable."

Kate, who shares three children; Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, with William, hailed it as 'life-changing' for both the patient and their families.

"You have to find your new normal and that takes time... and it's a rollercoaster, it's not smooth, like you expect it to be," she said. "But the reality is you go through hard times."

Next week, it's expected that Kate will be among members of the royal family welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron during their upcoming visit to the UK.

The pair are set to stay at Windsor Castle and will be welcomed with a state banquet at the historic Berkshire royal residence.