Prince William said Tuesday that he is cautiously optimistic following Kate Middleton's announcement that she's cancer-free after nine months of treatment, Fox News reported. He cautioned that there "is still a long way to go" for his wife, the Princess of Wales.
In March, Kate announced in a video that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would be treated with chemotherapy. She didn't disclose what type of cancer she has, but her diagnosis followed an abdominal surgery in January.
Kate once again released a video, this time to update the public. "Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes," the princess said.
The prince similarly expressed his hopefulness but with the same caveat. "It's good news, but there is still a long way to go," he told reporters.
The princess shared the good news about her illness and what it has been like for her family. "As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," Kate said in the stylized video clip posted to X, formerly Twitter.
"The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown," Kate went on.
"The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," the princess added. She spoke about having the support of her husband and the public as well as the perspective her illness has imparted.
"To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright," Kate later concluded.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales
As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an… pic.twitter.com/9S1W8sDHUL
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 9, 2024
Following the release of Kate's message, it became clear that she and William were moving away from how the royal family typically deals with such subjects. Rather than the stilted, factual delivery of her cancer announcement, Kate chose a softer approach this time around.
Kate's words overlaid videos of her relaxing outdoors with her husband and children. It was an intimate look at her family as seen through the eyes of the video's producer William Warr, creative director at Details Film, the Associated Press reported.
This was a welcomed change to many who followed the royals. Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski noted that the clip was "a tectonic shift in how the royal family controls its image" in the past.
"Kate’s journey is profound and deeply personal, but they’ve learned that emotion can be controlled – and weaponized – in small, potent doses. By doing this through a polished film, they maintain dignity and control while still appearing relatable," Borkowski pointed out.
Cancer does not discriminate between commoners and royals. Kate and William have shown great resilience in the face of such tragedy, and their openness will surely help others battling the disease.
