Princess Kate reflects on 'fear' and 'strength' in battling cancer

Princess Kate is sharing a message of solidarity with cancer patients a year after she announced her cancer is in remission.

The British royal, 44, opened up about the experience of battling cancer, not being "linear" in a video shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales' social media accounts on Feb. 4, which is World Cancer Day.

"On World Cancer Day, my thoughts are with everyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment or finding their way through recovery. Cancer touches so many lives — not only patients, but the families and friends and caregivers who walk beside them," Kate said over footage of her visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital – where she'd undergone cancer treatment – in January 2025.

"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," she continued.

"Today is a reminder of the importance of care and understanding and hope," she said. "Please know you are not alone."

What has Princess Kate said about battling cancer?

Though Kate has kept most of the details about her cancer battle private, she has offered occasional insights into her experiences.

During a visit to Colchester Hospital in Essex months after her remission announcement, she opened up about the impact of her cancer treatment on her mental health.

"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,' but actually the phase afterwards is really, really difficult," she said July 2.

Speaking to staff, patients and volunteers at the hospital, the princess emphasized the importance of support after treatment, noting that while patients may no longer be under clinical care, they often still struggle to "function normally at home" as they once did.

"And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable," she added, according to People.

Kate described the cancer diagnosis and treatment as "life-changing" for both patients and their loved ones. "You have to find your new normal and that takes time … And it's a roller coaster. It's not smooth, like you expect it to be," she said, according to the outlet. "But the reality is you go through hard times."

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY