The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton has shared a powerful video message on World Cancer Day with a message to patients as she reflects on her own cancer journey
The Princess of Wales has reassured cancer sufferers “you are not alone” in a heartfelt statement to commemorate World Cancer Day. Drawing from her personal battle with the disease, Catherine highlighted the “fear and exhaustion” that comes with such a diagnosis in footage unveiled by Kensington Palace at 5pm.
The princess seeks to emphasise the unpredictable path of a cancer experience, spanning from initial diagnosis right through to recovery, which encompasses periods of “strength, kindness and profound connection”. In an intensely personal declaration, Catherine states: “Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding and hope. Please know you are not alone.”
The 40-second clip features scenes from Catherine’s trip to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she serves as joint Patron with The Prince, in January of last year when she revealed she was in remission from cancer.
Whilst footage from the visit plays, the princess can be heard delivering her statement accompanied by soothing background music.
“On World Cancer Day, my thoughts are with everyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment or finding their way through recovery,” she says. “Cancer touches so many lives. Not only patients, but the families and friends and caregivers who walk beside them.”
“As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it’s not linear. There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness, and profound connection.
“Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding and hope. Please know you are not alone.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the King marked World Cancer Day by thanking those who “work tirelessly to save and improve lives”.
Resharing his Stand Up to Cancer message that was first issued on December 12, the 77 year old monarch says: “I just wanted to ask you to join me today in finding a special place in your hearts, and your minds and prayers for the hundreds of thousands of people across our United Kingdom who receive a cancer diagnosis each year – and for the millions more who love and care for them.
“Throughout my own cancer journey, I have been profoundly moved by what I can only call the ‘community of care’ that surrounds every cancer patient – the specialists, the nurses, researchers and volunteers who work tirelessly to save and improve lives.”
The video, in which the King disclosed that doctors had delivered the “good news” that he could scale back his cancer treatment, features clips of the monarch meeting cancer sufferers and medical experts.
A separate post shared by the official social media account of the King and Queen emphasised the Royal Family’s enduring dedication to UK cancer charities through their patronages, such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie’s and The Royal Marsden.
At the beginning of 2024, both the King and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer within a short period of each other.