Kate’s cancer remission statement is nod to new normal after terrible year – she’s a beacon of hope
The Princess of Wales spoke candidly of her “relief” today as she revealed she is in remission after her cancer battle.
The royal, 43, made a solo trip to Royal Marsden Hospital in which she thanked staff for her “exceptional” care.
Royal biographer and commentator Ingrid Seward told The Sun: “When someone has been through something as life threatening as Kate has there’s a huge amount of thanks and love. And you really felt that today.
“When Kate met Staff and patients, you felt the hugging and the comfort she was giving them was incredibly genuine, because it really came from her heart, because I think she felt that for the grace of God she might be in that position, too.
“She’s a little beacon of hope for cancer sufferers.”
Speaking of what it meant for cancer patients to meet the Princess today, Ingrid said the connection would have been “marvellous”.
The royal expert also touched on Kate being a joint patron of the Royal Marsden, and the comfort this will provide.
“I think it was probably a massive tonic to all those cancer sufferers to to meet with her today,” she continued.
“The visit to the Royals Marsden today was definitely the most candid she’s been.
“I feel that she’s handled this so brilliantly, and she can do no wrong at the moment.
“She’s almost come into a sort of saint like position by being so very, very ill, probably a lot more ill than we imagined, and coming through it, and still looking gorgeous, getting on with it.”
The royal mum-of-three said in a statement today she looks forward to a “new normal”.
Ingrid said: “She delighted everyone by saying that she was now in remission and a new normal means moving on in her life.
“She’s lost a year of her life which is, which is a lot of time to lose. And now she’s coming back to normal. But it’s a new normal.”
When asked what a “new normal” may look like for the Princess, the royal biographer suspected a “packed schedule”.
“I think what Kate will just take a little more care not to do too much, not to agree to everything,” she said.
“She knows that she’s got to say ‘no’ to some things, but I think it’s going to be a packed schedule compared to what we were used to last year, when we hardly saw at all.
“Being with people gives her a real kick, and that is probably part of the mentally healing process.
“I think working and being busy and helping people is definitely her way of getting better.”
‘DEPTHS OF DESPAIR’
Kate also mentioned devoted husband William in her statement today, and how Royal Marsden staff helped the couple cope together.
Ingrid said the “terrible year brought the Prince and Princess of Wales even closer”.
“They’ve shared, you know, probably the depths of despair we will never know,” added the biographer.
“I think it’s made their relationship stronger.”
Meanwhile, fellow royal expert Robert Jobson, Kate’s biographer, told The Sun he was “thrilled” by the Princess’ remission update today.
“Catherine is beacon of hope to so many people and the fact that she feels well enough to go to the Royal Marsden, where so much I important work is done, and thank the staff and meet patients is wonderful,” he said.
“Both the Prince and Princess have had such a tough year – brutal as Prince William said – and it does seem that she has turned the corner.
“She looked beautiful and flashed that beautiful smile of hers, bringing a little bit of joy and hope to people there.
“I wouldn’t expect her to rush back to full on work. But to pace herself and listen to her body going forward.
“Let’s hope we get some really positive news from the King soon too.”
It comes after Kate made a solo appearance at The Royal Marsden today.
The Princess beamed as she greeted staff and hugged patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Speaking at the public engagement, she said: “I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.
“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more.
“The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
The mum-of-three’s emotional statement continued: “In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
The mum-of-three has now finished her chemotherapy and met health carers to personally “show her gratitude”.
Kate also asked patients about details of their treatment, trials, wellbeing, and asked after their families.
Hearing about one man’s diagnosis, the Princess of Wales said: “The body is amazing at telling us ‘you need to take time out’.”
Speaking of receiving a diagnosis, she said: “It’s the uncertainty of that initial diagnosis. It’s such a wealth of information.
“Understanding the diagnosis, it’s a massive amount of information to take on as a patient. Having that continuity, in the clinical setting and outside in the home setting, is so important.”
On the way out she gave a hug to Tina Adumou who told her her 19-year-old daughter is in hospital receiving treatment.
Putting an arm around her, Kate asked questions and reassured her that she was in the best possible place.
She added: “I wish I could do more. It will get better. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
“Best of luck. You are in the best hands”.
Kate’s trip came almost exactly a year after she was taken to The London Clinic for abdominal surgery and later found out she had cancer.
It comes as the Waleses were also today announced as Joint Patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning, and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre.
“We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage – it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families.”
