Catherine issues personal message on 'fear and exhaustion' of battling cancer

The Princess of Wales said: "On World Cancer Day, my thoughts are with everyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment or finding their way through recovery.

"Cancer touches so many lives. Not only patients, but the families, friends and caregivers who walk beside them."

Her message continued: "As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it's not linear.

"There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness, and profound connection.

"Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding and hope.

"Please know you are not alone."

During a recent visit to Charing Cross Hospital, Catherine described chemotherapy as "quite a daunting experience", emphasising the crucial role of support teams during treatment.

The Princess of Wales told those gathered that from a patient's perspective, qualities "not in the job description", such as "kindness and compassion", are what truly matter during these vulnerable moments.

Drawing on her personal battle with the disease, the princess made a last-minute decision to accompany William on today's hospital visit rather than let him attend alone.

It is understood that Catherine wished to express her gratitude to NHS workers who provided her care throughout her own cancer journey.

Over a year has passed since she announced her remission following treatment at the Royal Marsden hospital in Chelsea, where she had previously acknowledged the process was "tough" whilst expressing thankfulness for the "light at the end of the tunnel."

Speaking with 86-year-old volunteer Maureen Gilmour, who assists patients during their chemotherapy sessions, Catherine heard how "people sit there for hours" receiving treatment.

The princess responded with an emotional "I know," before reaching out to touch William's arm and adding: "We know."

Ms Gilmour later remarked that the royal couple were "so sweet" and that "everyone was really positive" about their presence, adding: "I have to say I love it."

At the back end of last year, King Charles delivered a historic televised message as part of Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer 2025 broadcast, sharing positive news about his ongoing battle with the disease.

The 77-year-old monarch announced that his cancer treatment schedule will be scaled back, describing this development as "both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years".

The address represented an extraordinary departure from royal convention regarding the sovereign's private medical matters.

The King used the platform to urge viewers across the United Kingdom to prioritise cancer screenings, revealing that a minimum of nine million people have fallen behind on available screening programmes.

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