Princess Catherine opens up on ‘really difficult’ cancer recovery
Princess Catherine has given further insight into her cancer journey, describing it as “life-changing” as King Charles makes a major move around the Prince and Princess of Wales.
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Princess Catherine has given an insight into her “really difficult” cancer recovery during a visit to a hospital in England.
Speaking to patients and staff, the royal said during treatment “you put on a sort of brave face” but afterwards it can also feel “really difficult”.
About life after cancer treatment, she said: “You’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to.”
It was the 43-year-old’s first public engagement since pulling out of Royal Ascot, when it was reported that she needed to find the right balance in her return to work after some high profile public appearances including Trooping the Colour last month.
In January, Catherine announced she was in remission from cancer, which had been diagnosed last year. But her comments showed that her path to recovery is not a quick one.
S “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,’” she said.
“But actually the phase afterwards is really difficult, 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,” said the princess.
“But it’s life-changing for anyone, through first diagnosis or post treatment and things like that, it is life-changing experience both for the patient but also for the families as well.
“And actually it sometimes goes unrecognised, you don’t necessarily, particularly when it’s the first time, appreciate how much impact it is going to have.
“You have to find your new normal and that takes time … and it’s a rollercoaster it’s not one smooth plane, which you expect it to be. But the reality is it’s not, you go through hard times,” she said.
Catherine’s absence from Ascot prompted concerns around her health. But royal sources told the BBC that her comments will send an important message of support for other former cancer patients who are facing challenges in their own journey of recovery.
She made the comments as she visited a “wellbeing garden” at Colchester, which helps to use nature to support patients in their recovery from illness.
Catherine has spoken of the healing power of the natural world and how it has been a source of strength for her during her return from illness. She has described nature as her “sanctuary”.
It comes as King Charles granted the Prince and Princess of Wales the power to issue Royal Warrants in what is a significant upgrade to their existing royal duties.
Until now, the couple were unable to hand out the prestigious honour to businesses, brands and people they support.
According to the Royal Family’s website, a “Royal Warrant of Appointment” is a “mark of recognition” to those who “have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household.”
Existing Royal Warrant holders have been given until the end of the month to apply for retention of their coveted status.
Those seeking new warrants from the couple will be able to submit applications in early 2026.
“Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to be able to recognise and celebrate British industry, creativity and skills through the granting of Warrants,” Sir Ian Patrick, private secretary to the Prince of Wales, said in a statement.
In order to obtain a warrant, a company must have supplied the royal family for five of the past seven years. Needless to say, it must demonstrate high standards, service and practice sustainability.
There are currently 800 warrant holders, with companies ranging from food producers and restaurants to tailors, hotels and more.
What’s more, individual service providers have the ability to receive warrants, with Queen Camilla recently awarding her personal hairstylist, Jo Hansford, with the honour.
Princess Catherine will be the first Princess of Wales in 115 years to be granted the centuries-old honour.
The last Princess of Wales who was allowed to issue royal warrants was Queen Mary, before her husband, George V, became monarch in 1910.
While Charles issued warrants in 1980 as Prince of Wales, his then-wife, the late Princess Diana, was not given the honour.
In December 2024, Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, granted their second set of Royal Warrants of Appointment to a total of 386 companies.
This followed the 152 Royal Warrants the pair handed to businesses in May 2024.
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