Princess Kate Middleton made a rare appearance at the annual Festival of Remembrance and Remembrance Sunday after she confirmed she completed chemotherapy amid her cancer battle.
Kate, 42, joined husband Prince William and other royal family members for the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, November 9, which was held at Royal Albert Hall. The two were greeted as they entered Royal Albert Hall in London and William, 42, held Kate close to him as they were welcomed to the event.
This marks the princess’ first royal event since she finished her cancer treatment.
She also participated in the royals’ traditional appearance at The Cenotaph war memorial in London on Sunday, November 10. The event pays tribute to those who died in war and conflict, and it is observed on the second Sunday of every November in the United Kingdom.
The eventful weekend comes amid Kate’s cancer battle. After she underwent a “planned abdominal surgery” in January, she stepped out of the spotlight until she revealed that she had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in March.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in early stages of that treatment,” she said in a video shared via X on March 22. “It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to [the kids] in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be OK.”
She added that the diagnosis “came as a huge shock,” and she and William had “been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”
Six months later, Kate shared a positive update by revealing that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment. “As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” the mother of three said in a September 9 announcement. “Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything,” she continued. “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. Of simply loving and being loved.”
Kate stepped out for Festival of Remembrance and Remembrance Sunday just days after William admitted 2024 had been a tough year for him amid Kate and his father King Charles’ cancer diagnoses.
“It’s been dreadful,” he said about the past year during an interview in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 7. “It’s probably been the hardest year in my life.”
He added that he was “so proud” of Kate and Charles, 75, “for handling the things that they have done.” William continued, “But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”
During the same trip, William told reporters that Kate was “doing really well” after completing chemotherapy. “She’s been amazing this whole year,” he shared.
