Kate Middleton Opens Up About Her 'Really Difficult' Time During Chemotherapy And How Nature Helped Her Heal

Kate Middleton or Catherine, Princess of Wales reflected on the aftermath of chemotherapy in her first public appearance since she had unexpectedly withdrawn from Royal Ascot just two weeks ago. She has called the entire experience "really difficult". On her visit to a wellbeing garden at Colchester Hospital in Essex, England on Wednesday, she told the patients, "You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment, treatment’s done – then it’s like ‘I can crack on, get back to normal.’ But actually the phase afterwards is really difficult, you’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to."Also Read: Kylie Page Death: Netflix Star Sudden Death Raises Questions About Drug Use, As Fentanyl And Drug Paraphernalia Found In ApartmentThe reason she visited the hospital garden in the Southeast of England was to "celebrate the incredible healing power of nature", noted Kensington Palace. She also met with patients and hospital staff at the Cancer Wellbeing Centre "to understand how gardens in healthcare setting play a crucial role in promoting good health outcomes, preventing poor health and supporting increased recovery time." Now 43, Kate herself has pointed out to the importance of nature in her health journey over the last year. Is There Any Scientific Proof That Nature Could Actually Heal you?Lisa A Cooper, MD, MPH writes in the 'Letter from the Director' at John Hopkins Medicine that nature does have healing power. She notes that green spaces play a role in cardiovascular health, and also facilitates to interact with other people who are there to enjoy nature. The American Psychological Association (APA) also noted that spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being. The University of Cincinnati also points out that being out in nature can further reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, enhance immune system function, and boost self esteem and mood.Also Read: Scientists Discover 20 New Bat Viruses in China: Global Health Implications and Disease Risk Assessment In fact in a video, which was posted by Kate on X to mark Mental Health Awareness Week in May, she said, "over the past year, nature has been my sanctuary."Kate Middleton Cancer TimelineIn March, Princess Kate publicly shared her cancer diagnosis and confirmed she had begun chemotherapy. As she focused on her recovery, she stepped away from the public eye, making only a few limited appearances over the summer. By September, she announced she had completed chemotherapy and was "doing what I can to stay cancer-free."Since then, the Princess of Wales has been gradually re-engaging with her royal responsibilities. While she has increased her public appearances this year, palace insiders say she is carefully managing her return to balance her health with her official duties.Earlier this summer, Kate made high-profile appearances at key royal events, including the Trooping the Colour parade in London and the Order of the Garter service in Windsor. However, she later withdrew from the Royal Ascot at the last minute, signaling that her return to full-time royal duties is still being handled with care.Just last week, Kate resumed in-person engagements, joining Prince William in hosting philanthropist Melinda French Gates at Windsor Castle. The meeting, reportedly focused on their shared philanthropic interests, marked one of her first official engagements in recent weeks.On Wednesday, the Princess made a meaningful visit to Colchester Hospital, where she helped plant several “Catherine’s Rose” plants—a specially bred rose named in her honor by the Royal Horticultural Society. The visit coincided with the hospital receiving a donation of 50 such plants.The rose holds special significance: proceeds from its commercial sale will go to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, supporting cancer patients through treatment and beyond. The funds will help the charity develop a dedicated program focused on improving quality of life for those living with cancer and those who have completed treatment.Also Read: Why Everyone Is Suddenly Talking About Ivermectin As A Cancer Breakthrough?Princess Kate has deepened her connection with the Royal Marsden since her diagnosis. In January, Kensington Palace announced she had been named joint patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the specialist cancer center in Chelsea, west London, where she received treatment.Her involvement with the charity and efforts to raise awareness reflect her commitment to supporting others navigating a cancer diagnosis. While her return to public life is cautious and measured, each appearance signals both her resilience and her intention to use her platform for meaningful causes.As she continues to recover and adjust, the Princess of Wales remains one of the most admired and closely followed members of the royal family—balancing personal healing with her public role.

Kate Middleton Opens Up About Her 'Really Difficult' Time During Chemotherapy And How Nature Helped Her Heal

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