‘I am not out of the woods’: Princess Kate’s cancer update

Princess Kate will attend the King’s birthday Trooping the Colour as she reveals how her cancer battle is progressing.

Princess Kate has issued an update about her health.

The Princess of Wales has admitted to having good days and bad days in her fight against cancer, saying “I am not out of the woods yet”, but she has confirmed she will attend the King’s birthday Trooping the Colour in central London on Saturday.

Catherine issued an update about her health on Friday evening local time, alongside a new photograph of herself looking wistful underneath a tree, which has boosted morale across the nation.

King Charles was said to be delighted that the Princess is able to attend and is much looking forward to all elements of the day.

In a personal message, the first issued since the shock announcement in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer, the 42-year-old wrote: “I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”

She added that her treatment for abdominal cancer is ongoing and will be for a few more months.

King Charles was said to be delighted that the Princess is able to attend the Trooping the Colour.

“On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home,’’ she wrote.

“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.”

Catherine said that she was learning “how to be patient, especially with uncertainty”. She said she was taking each day as it comes, listening to her body, and allowing herself to take much needed time to heal.

She said to all of the many wishwishers: “Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”

The Princess is expected to ride in a state carriage down The Mall with her three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and watch the Trooping parade from the Major General’s Office with the rest of the royal family.

King Charles will also ride in a carriage, while Prince William, alongside Princess Anne, will be on horseback. Ordinarily Catherine, as Colonel of the Irish Guards, would take the salute, but this time Lieutenant General James Bucknall is taking the salute on her behalf.

If she is feeling well enough, Catherine will also appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the rest of the royals. Tens of thousands of people are expected in central London to see the Trooping the Colour parade.

A palace aid said the Princess’ recovery and wellbeing remains the top priority and plans may be amended at short notice. The aide said while Catherine’s appearance at such a public event was “significant”, it was not a signal she is returning to royal engagements. However if she feels able to, she may attend some public events this English summer.