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Home / Lifestyle

Princess of Wales reveals ‘fear and exhaustion’ of cancer battle

India McTaggart
Daily Telegraph UK·
4 Feb, 2026 09:00 PM3 mins to read

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The Princess of Wales highlighted the importance of care, understanding, and hope for those affected by cancer. Photo / Getty Images

The Princess of Wales highlighted the importance of care, understanding, and hope for those affected by cancer. Photo / Getty Images

The Princess of Wales has spoken about the “fear and exhaustion” that cancer patients face.

The princess, who is now in remission after being treated for an undisclosed form of the disease, reflected on the non-linear nature of a cancer journey in a video message to mark World Cancer Day on Wednesday.

Speaking over footage from her visit to The Royal Marsden in January last year, she said: “On World Cancer Day, my thoughts are with everyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment or finding their way through recovery.

“Cancer touches so many lives. Not only patients, but the families and friends and caregivers who walk beside them.

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“As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it’s not linear. There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness and profound connection.”

She added: “Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding and hope. Please know you are not alone.”

In January last year, the princess revealed she was in remission during an emotional return to The Royal Marsden, where she was treated after her diagnosis in early 2024.

She and the Prince of Wales were announced as The Royal Marsden’s newest joint patrons, and she thanked doctors and nurses at the hospital for their “care, support and compassion”.

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Later that day, she said: “I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.

“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

“We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient have been exceptional.”

The princess has spoken candidly about the life-changing, long-term challenges of cancer recovery, which she said had been “really, really difficult”.

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She was diagnosed with the disease in January 2024 after undergoing major abdominal surgery.

During her subsequent recovery, she revealed that the illness had given her a new perspective, including a “very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection” with the natural world.

The video message released this week followed the recent culmination of a creative project in which she highlighted humanity’s connection to nature and its capacity to inspire us over each of the four seasons.

Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.

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