Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: Kate Middleton, Royal Family
Rhianna Benson
Less than a year since she revealed she'd been diagnosed with cancer, the Princess of Wales has confirmed she's in remission.
Appearing at Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, south west London earlier today (14 Jan), the 43-year-old thanked staff at the facility who previously aided in her treatment, and met with fellow cancer sufferers.
"It’s really tough," Kate reflected on her treatment. "It’s such a shock. Everyone said to me ‘Please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference'."
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And addressing post-treatment life, she added: "You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that’s still a real challenge.
"The words totally disappear. And understanding that, as a patient, yes, there are side-effects around treatment but actually there are more long-term side-effects."
Last January, Kate was admitted to the London Clinic for major abdominal surgery, spending two weeks in hospital before recuperating at home.
She first broke the news of her cancer diagnosis two months later, following mass speculation from the public regarding her whereabouts, after she was absent from the spotlight for several weeks.
Her latest unannounced solo visit - which also coincides with the news that she's become joint royal patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust - comes four months after the Princess revealed she'd concluded chemotherapy.
Revealing she's now in remission, the official Instagram account of the Prince and Princess of Wales shared an image of Kate in hospital today, along with a lengthy caption.
"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," she gushed. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.
"We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.
"In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.
"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal."I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C."