Kate Middleton Reveals She Is in 'Remission' from Cancer: 'It Is a Relief'

Kate Middleton says that she is in "remission" from cancer and is now focused on her future healing.

The Princess of Wales, 43, shared the news in a personal statement to social media on Jan. 14, the same day she paid a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. The outing coincided with the confirmation that the royal had treatment at the renowned center, and will join Prince William as a patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. 

"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," Princess Kate began the message shared to X. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything."

Continued the message, "We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."

The Princess of Wales expressed her hope that as a joint patron of Royal Mardsen, "by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer."

"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery," she continued. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C"

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Princess Kate announced in March 2024 that she was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, and was outside of the limelight for almost the entirety of the year to focus on her health. The princess previously said in September 2024 that she completed chemotherapy treatment.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Princess of Wales was candid about her health journey during her hospital visit — her first solo engagement since late 2023. Highlighting the importance of self-care, Kate said, "I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight," the Daily Mail reported.

Last year, after announcing that she completed chemo, the Princess of Wales joined her loved ones for a few public outings in the fall, from an emotional visit to Southport with Prince William in October to the royal family's traditional Remembrance events in November and church on Christmas at Sandringham.

Princess Kate turned 43 on Jan. 9, and Prince William celebrated his wife with an emotional tribute on social media at the time.

"To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable," the Prince of Wales wrote below a new portrait of Princess Kate. "George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W"

Kate's Jan. 14 outing is the latest step on the path of her gradual return to duties, and a family friend tells PEOPLE that the royal is wisely prioritizing her health now.

"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so. She will know when she wakes up if she is well enough or not [to do something]," the family friend says.