Kate Middleton makes sad admission in rare cancer update after missing royal duties

Back in March 2024, Kate Middleton shared with the world that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had started a course of preventative chemotherapy.

Just nine months later, in September, the Princess of Wales confirmed she had completed chemo and soon began making a return to her public royal duties including a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where confirmed that she was now in remission.

And now, in the latest update regarding her cancer recovery journey, Kate has made a very candid admission in a rare update on her health after missing the Royal Ascot last month (18 June).

During a visit to Colchester Hospital’s wellbeing garden earlier this afternoon (2 July), the mother-of-three opened up about how she's fared with the 'post‑treatment phase' of her cancer journey, noting that the process has been 'really, really difficult'.

Kate Middleton candidly opened up about the 'really, really difficult' journey following her 'post-treatment phase' (WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

"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 shared.

Kate then made the sad admission that she hasn't been able to 'function normally at home' as she used to be from before she started her cancer treatment journey.

"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," she continued.

"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."

Kate also opened up about finding her 'new normal' following her cancer recovery (WPA Pool / Pool / Getty Images)

Kate's comments come after she and William were awarded new royal roles by King Charles, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

They will now be able to issue royal warrants for next year, making Kate the first Princess of Wales to be able to do this since Princess Mary of Teck back in 1910.

What's a royal warrant, you may ask?

Well, they're seen as a seal of approval by the royal family and can provide a major boost for any business who receives one. They are highly coveted acknowledgements of talent, and a sign that the business is approved by the monarchy.

Ian Patrick, the Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales, said: "Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate British industry, creativity and skills through the granting of Warrants."