“The Phase Afterwards Is Really Difficult”

Making her first public appearance after treatment, Kate visited a hospital garden in Essex, where she reflected on the complex emotional toll of recovery.

“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,” she said. “Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.”

The princess explained that while patients may no longer be under close medical supervision, they can still struggle to function normally at home. She emphasized the importance of guidance and support during this transition: “Someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable.”

Finding Peace in Nature

Now 43, Kate said the process of recovery is not a straight line: “You have to find your new normal, and that takes time. And it’s a roller coaster, it’s not smooth, like you expect it to be. But the reality is you go through hard times.”

Her choice to revisit the hospital garden was deeply personal, as she revealed that spending time outdoors and connecting with nature had helped her find peace during her illness. “It’s where I felt most at peace,” she said, underscoring how healing spaces played a crucial role in her journey back to health.