Kate Middleton has announced she has completed her chemotherapy treatment and is cancer-free after going public with her diagnosis in March.
The official social media accounts for the Prince and Princess of Wales shared the news on Monday afternoon (9 September) in a lengthy caption, which was accompanied by a deeply personal and candid video narrated by Kate, 42, herself.
Here is everything we have learned from the video, which featured footage of Kate Middleton, Prince William, and their three children, George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Louis, spending quality time together in Norfolk.
Kate has finished chemotherapy after nine months and is now cancer-free
In March, after intrusive speculation about why she had taken a step back from royal duties, Kate announced that her planned abdominal surgery in January had led to post-operative tests discovering she had cancer. She is believed to have started chemotherapy in February, but was the bearer of positive news on Monday.
'As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,' she wrote in her Instagram post.
She never disclosed the form of cancer she had, but has told the nation that she is now free of the disease.
'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,' she wrote.
Kate used her cancer diagnosis to 'reflect and be grateful'
Kate admitted that the past nine months have been 'incredibly tough' for them as a family. Before branding the cancer journey, 'complex, scary and unpredictable', she acknowledged, 'Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.'
She continued, 'With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.'
Kate's focus is staying cancer-free and her return to public duties will be seemingly gradual
Despite the optimistic update about her health, Kate has been frank that her path to healing and full recovery is 'long', meaning she will be taking things day by day.
'Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus,' she wrote. '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 has found the public's support 'truly humbling'
In the last part of her Instagram message, Kate touched on how the public's support has helped the family through such a tough time and spoke to cancer sufferers directly.
'William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. 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,' she wrote.
Millie Payne is a News and Entertainment Writer for Grazia. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and roundups for over three years and loves combining her love for writing, talking and all things popular culture.