Kate, Princess of Wales, shared an update on her health, her first since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March.
Kate, 42, wife of Prince William, said Friday that she is “making good progress” while undergoing chemotherapy but is “not out of the woods yet.”
“I am making good progress, but as anyone who has undergone chemotherapy knows, there are good days and bad days,” Kate said in a written message shared by Kensington Palace. “On those bad days you feel weak and tired and have to give in to your body. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling good.”
Kate said her treatment would continue for “a few more months”, adding: “On days when I feel well enough, I’m happy to engage in school life, and spend personal time on things that give me energy and positivity as well.” “Like starting to do a little bit of work from home.”
Kate also confirmed in her message that she will be joining the royal family on Saturday for Trooping the Colour, the military parade held annually to celebrate the official birthday of the reigning monarch.
“I’m looking forward to attending the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family, and I hope to participate in some public events over the summer, but equally I know I’m not out of the woods yet,” she said. “I’m learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. I’m taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take that much-needed time to heal.”
Kate also described herself as being “blown away” by the support she has received since publicly revealing her diagnosis.
“This has made a huge difference to William and me and helped us through some difficult times,” she said, adding at the end of her message: “Thank you so much for your continued understanding, to everyone.” Of you who shared your stories with me with so much courage.”
In addition to the health update, the palace on Friday shared a new photo of Kate, taken this week in Windsor, England, where Kate and her family live.
The photo, taken by UK-based photographer Matt Porteous, shows Kate wearing a light-coloured jacket and jeans, standing under a willow tree.
Kate’s appearance at Trooping the Color will be the first time she has appeared in public with the royal family since December, when she attended Christmas Mass at Sandringham.
Just weeks after Christmas, in mid-January, Kate was admitted to hospital for what the palace described at the time as “planned abdominal surgery.”
After staying in hospital for nearly two weeks following surgery, Kate continued to take time off from royal public duties in order to recover.
In March, amid growing speculation about her health and her absence from the public eye, Kate announced in a pre-recorded video message that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
Speaking alone and directly into the camera, Kate described her cancer diagnosis as a “huge shock” to her and her family. She said the cancer was discovered in post-operative tests following her abdominal surgery in January.
The type of cancer was not revealed. According to the palace, Kate began a course of preventive chemotherapy in late February.
While Kate remained out of the public eye during her treatment, William returned to work in mid-April. Over the course of his royal engagements, William has shared few updates about Kate, but he thanked fans for their support, and replied “yes” to someone at an event earlier in June, who asked if Kate was “getting better.”
Kate Middleton: A timeline of cancer diagnosis, surgery and absence from public duties
William and the couple’s three young children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, will join Kate at Trooping the Color on Saturday. The family is expected to participate in the parade and stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, according to tradition, to watch the military bridge.
This year’s celebration will mark the second celebration of the reign of King Charles III.
What to know about this year’s Trooping the Color amid cancer treatments for King Charles and Kate Middleton
Charles, 75, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, but has since returned to his public duties.
Like Kate, Charles will also be participating in this year’s Trooping the Color. He will play a slightly modified role by riding in the parade in a horse-drawn carriage alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, instead of riding a horse, according to Buckingham Palace.
Charles’ cancer diagnosis was publicly announced in February. The palace did not reveal the type of cancer he was diagnosed with or the type of treatment he is undergoing.
“Lifelong beer expert. General travel enthusiast. Social media buff. Zombie maven. Communicator.”