Princess Kate's brave words remind us recovery doesn't end with treatment.
The Princess of Wales has candidly opened up about the emotional toll of her recovery from cancer treatment, according to a royal expert.
After missing Royal Ascot, Kate made a notable appearance at RHS Wellbeing Garden aiming to spotlight the healing power of nature.
During the visit, Princess offered a rare and heartfelt insight into the pressures faced by cancer patients post-treatment. She shared that many people expect survivors to instantly bounce back, noting,'everybody expects you to be better, but that's not the case at all.'
Kate also spoke honestly about the misconceptions surrounding recovery. She explained after treatment ends, there's often a societal push to 'crack on' and return to life as usual.
'It's a very scary, very daunting experience, did not end once treatment was over, with patients needing to take time to find their 'new normal.'
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that Kate's remarks are a powerful reminder of her ongoing journey since her diagnosis earlier in 2024.
The Princess has taken us all by surprise again by speaking from the heart in emotional terms about her cancer has changed her life,' Bond said.
'The past 18 months have clearly shaken her to the bone-both physically and mentally. On her recent public appearances she has looked so poised, so happy and so confident-but now she is asking us to understand that, underneath the brave face, she is sometimes still struggling.'
For those of us lucky enough to have not been faced with a cancer diagnosis, it's almost impossible to understand the full impact of such a life-changing moment.
Catherine is now part of the club no one wants to belong to, but she could prove to be its most valuable member.'
The visit to Colchester reflects her ongoing commitment to wellbeing projects and signals her gradual return to royal duties.