What Kate Middleton's Remission Announcement Means

It's been 10 months Kate Middleton shared concerning news with the world about her cancer diagnosis, (which she was disclosed after the infamous photo retouching scandal.) Tuesday afternoon, the Princess of Wales gave an update on her health and shared she’s in remission.

"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to the new normal,” the British royal wrote in an Instagram caption.

This news is exciting and relieving to followers of the royal family who have been speculating about the health of the Princess of Wales and hoping for the best. After the September 2024 announcement of Middleton's completion of chemotherapy, the news of remission offers her family and fans a chance to exhale. What does it mean exactly? Whatever kind of cancer she was diagnosed with is now undetectable. Chances of cancer recurrence vary by treatment and type, which is unclear in this situation.

Middleton has remained relatively private throughout her cancer journey, never revealing the type of cancer she was diagnosed with, for example. But she did make a public visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she was treated. She is also stepping into the role of Joint Patron of Royal Marsden, per her post, and thanked medical workers, spoke to patients, and highlighted the hospital's innovative work. "By supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer,” she continued in her post.

Prior to the news of her diagnosis, the internet was buzzing with conspiracy theories as to where the Princess of Wales was, as she had not made any public appearances in early 2024. Kensington Palace announced that she had undergone successful surgery in January of 2024, but it was not until March 22, 2024, that her diagnosis was revealed. The news on Tuesday comes almost exactly a year after the announcement of her surgery.

“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything,” she added in her note.