Kate Middleton is opening up about her recovery from cancer, revealing that doctors warned her the healing process would come with challenges even after treatment ended.
The Princess of Wales, 44, reflected on her experience in a new interview with Country Life, published Tuesday, November 10.
Middleton, who completed chemotherapy in September 2024, recalled being told that her recovery would take time and would not always be straightforward.
“I was told in hospital that my recovery would not be linear,” she said, explaining that there would be “good days and bad days.”
The mother of three also discussed how spending time outdoors has helped her cope with the emotional and physical challenges of her health journey.
Kate Middleton Reveals What Helped Her Through Her ‘Darkest Time’
Middleton spoke about the importance of nature during difficult periods, describing the outdoors as a “restorative environment.”
“Humans have always turned to nature. Whether it is the beach for healing and recovery, the countryside for peace and perspective or the mountains to find solitude, people have long sought comfort in the natural world,” she said.
“Incorporating nature into someone’s recovery pathway is vital.”
The princess also compared the healing process to the changing seasons, explaining that recovery requires patience.
“Periods of rest, reflection and renewal are equally as important as moments of growth,” she said.
Middleton recalled finding hope during her “darkest time” by reminding herself, “We are not alone and that we’re interconnected with something bigger than ourselves.”
Her comments come more than two years after she publicly announced her cancer diagnosis.
Princess of Wales Previously Called Cancer Journey ‘Complex, Scary and Unpredictable’
Middleton revealed in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer following abdominal surgery earlier that year.
She subsequently underwent chemotherapy and announced in September 2024 that she had completed treatment.
At the time, she told supporters that she was looking forward to resuming royal duties but acknowledged that her recovery would continue.
“My path to healing and full recovery is long,” she said. “I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”
Middleton also spoke about the impact of her diagnosis on her husband, Prince William, and their children, Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8.
She described the experience as “complex, scary and unpredictable” and said it had been “incredibly tough” for their family.
“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,” she wrote on Instagram.
Kate Middleton Opens Up About the Difficult Reality of Cancer Recovery Nearly Two Years Later