Catherine, Princess of Wales, said on Friday she planned to attend a parade marking the birthday of King Charles III on Saturday, a temporary return to the public stage after confirming in March that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Catherine released the news in a highly personal six-paragraph statement, reflecting both the progress she has made since she was first hospitalized for abdominal surgery last January, and the long road to recovery she still faces.
“I’m making good progress, but as anyone who’s gone through chemotherapy knows, there are good days and bad days,” Catherine wrote.
“On those bad days when you feel weak and tired, you have to let your body rest,” the princess said. “But on the good days, when you’re feeling stronger, you want to take advantage of the good feelings.”
Catherine, 42, said she hopes to attend some other public events over the summer. But the princess, who has not been seen in public since last Christmas, stressed that her appearance at the parade on Saturday – her first in months – did not mark her official return to public life Life.
“I’m not out of the woods yet,” she wrote. “I’m learning how to be patient, especially in the face of uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself time to heal.
Still, even this cautious return to normalcy will be a source of great relief to the British royal family. struggle.
Charles and Catherine were among the most visible members of the family. Their illnesses and sudden absences have put a strain on the family, which is still coming to terms with the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
Charles was hospitalized in January for prostate treatment and began returning to public service in April. Last week, he attended a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Although Buckingham Palace has not revealed details about his treatment or prognosis, he has appeared to be healthy of late.
In November, Charles celebrated his 75th birthday. But the official birthday celebrations, known as Trooping the Color, will take place on Saturday, when 1,400 Home Office officers will parade before the king from Buckingham Palace along the Boulevard to Horse Guards Parade, and then Return to Horse Guards Parade Ground.
Catherine said she will attend the parade with her husband Prince William and her three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Rumors about her involvement circulated in the British news media.
Kensington Palace, where Catherine and William have their offices, has not revealed what type of cancer she has or her prognosis. Buckingham Palace has requested privacy while she undergoes treatment. After an initial series of rumors about her condition and whereabouts, the British tabloids largely ignored her.
Palace officials said Catherine has begun working from home and said she would make decisions about public events in consultation with her doctors.
Catherine said in a statement that her treatment would last “several months.” She spoke of the joys of talking to children about school and being involved in some charity work.
“I have been overwhelmed by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the past few months,” Catherine wrote. “It has truly made a world of difference to William and me and helped us get through some difficult times.”
