London, Sept 9, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Kate, the princess of Wales, has appeared in a deeply personal video with her family, to confirm she will return to public duties, following the completion of her chemotherapy course.
Kate’s heartfelt message about her cancer journey is spoken over images, showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods and the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands.
She describes the past nine months since her serious health issues began as “incredibly tough for us as a family” and how the “cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone”, with the experience giving her a “new perspective on everything.”
In the video, Kate says: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. 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.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements, in the coming months when I can.
“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”
Kate, who is continuing to work from home, is hoping to return to a light programme of public duties for the remainder of the year, reflecting her need to make a full recovery, and aims for a handful of engagements in the coming months.
The princess’ Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey has become a firm fixture in the royal calendar in recent years, and she has begun working with her team on the project.
Kate has received messages of support from the public and said, she and her husband had “drawn strength” from all those helping them and “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”
The video, shot in August in Norfolk where the Waleses have a family home, sounded a positive note reflected in the images of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, playing in fields or enjoying a game of cards with their parents under a tree.
It ended with the princess’ words of reassurance for others who are still being treated for cancer: “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.”
GNA