Catherine, Princess of Wales, said she was relieved on Tuesday to thank all the doctors and staff there after visiting a London hospital where she underwent cancer treatment.
Catherine, 43, underwent preventive chemotherapy a year ago after major abdominal surgery revealed the presence of an unspecified form of cancer. In September, she confirmed that she had finished chemotherapy.
“It's a relief for me to be in remission and continuing to focus on my recovery,” she said in a statement latest statement.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis knows, adjusting to the new normal takes time. However, I am looking forward to the coming year full of fulfillment. There is something to look forward to. Thank you all for your continued support.”
The visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in central London, where she underwent many months of treatment, was her first public appearance since returning to official duties.
She met with patients and staff and talked about the care she received. During the trip, it was also announced that she and her husband, the heir to the throne, Prince William, became joint patrons of a specialized oncology department.
She told one patient that the impact of the disease on her family was “really, really difficult.”
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank The Royal Marsden for taking such good care of me over the last year,” she said in a Channel X message.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has completed chemotherapy and will gradually return to public life. She shared updates and reflections on her battle with her family in a rare, nuanced and positive video.
“My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who calmly walked alongside William and me as we went through everything. We couldn't ask for more. The care and advice we received throughout my time as a patient was exceptional.”
In previous very personal video messages in which she provided an update on her health, Catherine talked about how difficult the illness was for her, William and their three young children: Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (9) and Prince Louis (6 years old).
William described last year as “brutal” as King Charles was also undergoing treatment for cancer. A source at Buckingham Palace said his treatment was moving in a positive direction and would continue this year.