Princess Kate Middleton Shares “Life Changing” Effects of Her Cancer Treatment

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the Princess of Wales spoke candidly about the long-term effects of her cancer treatment. She described it as “really difficult to function” after finishing therapy. The 43-year-old future Queen made these remarks during a visit to Colchester Hospital in Essex.

The Princess visited the Royal Horticultural Society Wellbeing Garden. The garden celebrates the healing power of nature. There, she met cancer patients and hospital staff. She emphasized the importance of counselling after cancer treatment. The Princess shared her own struggles with the “hard times” following her therapy.

Last year, the Princess was diagnosed with cancer after a two-week hospital stay for an abdominal operation. She underwent six months of preventive chemotherapy. She completed treatment last August and announced in January that she was given the all-clear.

The Princess said, “You put on a brave face during treatment, but after it ends, it’s really difficult. You are no longer under clinical care but you don’t feel normal at home. Having someone to guide you through that phase is very valuable.”

She described trying to live with a “new normal” after treatment. She explained, “It’s a life-changing experience for both patients and their families. You don’t always realize how much it will affect you. You have to find your new normal, which takes time. It’s a roller coaster, not a smooth path.”

Kate praised the support offered by places like the wellbeing garden. She said, “Having support through creativity, singing, or gardening is so valuable. It would be great if many communities had this kind of help.”

Prince William, in an earlier interview, called the experience of watching his wife and father fight cancer “brutal” and the hardest year of his life.

This was the Princess’s first public event since she withdrew from Royal Ascot last month. She is gradually returning to public duties while balancing her health.

During the visit, Kate helped plant 50 ‘Catherine Roses’ in the garden. The roses are named after her. The Royal Horticultural Society is selling these roses to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, where Kate was treated.

Additionally, 500 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants will be donated to wellbeing and community gardens across the UK this summer. Recipients include Maggie’s cancer support gardens, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, and Horatio’s Gardens for spinal injury patients.

The Princess has long promoted the healing benefits of nature. Earlier this year, she described nature as her family’s sanctuary during her cancer fight and treatment.

On a recent visit to the Lake District with the Scouts, Kate said, “I find nature very spiritual and emotionally healing. It gives me peace and helps me reconnect in a busy world.”