Princess of Wales and Prince William’s Marriage is “Stronger Than Ever,” Says Royal Expert

The Princess of Wales looked radiant as she joined Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family for the annual Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey last week. Wearing a striking red dress by Catherine Walker and a coordinating Gina Foster hat, Kate was greeted by well-wishers at the Abbey’s entrance, smiling broadly as she accepted a bouquet of flowers from one young royal supporter.

As Kate, 43, listened intently to Joan Armatrading’s stirring performance of Love And Affection during the service, it appeared to provide a moment of reflection for the princess. This Saturday marks one year since Kate bravely shared the news of her cancer diagnosis with the world via a video statement, and former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK! she will be experiencing a mixture of emotions ahead of this milestone.

“As the anniversary of the video’s release approaches, Catherine will no doubt be reflecting on how far she has come since then and how much love and admiration from around the world has come her way,” Jennie says. “With the weather turning warmer and the day of her diagnosis becoming more distant, she appears to have a real spring in her step and joy in her heart to be alive and able to pick up some of the threads of her public life.”

On 22 March last year, the Princess of Wales spoke to the world from a bench in Windsor to reveal she was in the early stages of a course of preventive chemotherapy following the “huge shock” of her diagnosis. Given all she’s been through since then, her attendance at the annual Commonwealth Day Service very much signified a new start for the mother-of-three, especially as she and King Charles were forced to miss last year’s event because of their health issues.

It is an important date in the royal calendar and Kate, who looked to be making the most of it, was seen exchanging kisses of greeting with the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as they waited together for the arrival of the King. Even Kate’s choice of jewellery – a pair of pearl-drop earrings once owned by Diana, the former Princess of Wales, and a diamond-and-pearl choker previously belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth II – reflected her deep affection for her in-laws.

Kate Middleton
Kate joined William, King Charles and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey last week (Image: PA)
In January, following an emotional return visit to the London hospital where she received her cancer treatment, Kate announced she was in remission. That, combined with the passage of time since announcing her diagnosis, Jennie says, will no doubt be leaving her feeling lighter and better able to embrace her public duties.

“The day that Catherine told the world she had cancer was one of those ‘Oh my goodness’ moments that many of us will never forget,” she says. “For the princess herself, it must have been quite an ordeal to record that emotional film, pale and frail as she looked. It was probably one of the most courageous and difficult things she’s ever had to do. But I think it must also have been something of a relief for her to explain her prolonged absence from public life.”

While announcing her devastating news, a very poised Kate said, “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much for both of us.”

She added that while her work had always brought her a deep sense of joy, she needed time to focus on her recovery. In testament to her character, she signed off the video with a message of hope, saying, “At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

Kate Middleton
Kate chose to share her news in a deeply personal video (Image: BBC Studios via Getty Images)
Those poignant final four words were the last we heard from Kate while she continued her treatment, until June, when she issued a written message saying she was “making good progress” but was not “out of the woods yet”.

A few days later, on Saturday 15 June, Kate made her first public appearance since her diagnosis, joining William, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour. The photographs of Kate in her white dress, a colour that traditionally symbolises new beginnings, smiling and laughing with her children and husband, were the epitome of her hope and resilience.

For those who love and care about her, from near and far, it was a hugely significant moment, Jennie says. “In June, we all began to realise that it was going to be a long haul for the princess to get back to full fitness,” she recalls. “She released a photograph of herself, standing under a tree by a river, and spoke about the good days and bad days she was still experiencing. But she also said she was beginning to do a little work from home.

“Not long afterwards, we saw her at Trooping the Colour, riding in a carriage with her children. Soon after, she managed to attend one day of Wimbledon – each time looking a little more like her old self. Every milestone must have seemed so important, a slow return to ‘normal’ life. Although, as she herself has said, cancer changes your perspective on everything.”

While William ploughed on with his pared-down royal diary, Kate continued on her path to recovery, and, in September, she announced a huge update in what Jennie describes as an “extraordinary and highly personal” film.

Her video update included a montage of precious moments spent with her children and husband, as well as her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, and the family’s beloved cocker spaniel, Orla. While it was too early to know whether she was cancer-free, announcing she had completed her chemotherapy treatment was undoubtedly an incredibly important and hard-fought milestone.

Kate Middleton
Kate’s second video update included lots of footage of the whole family
“Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus,” Kate said in her voice-over, which played over footage of her cuddling William and watching her children climb trees and run over sand dunes. “Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”

She spoke of being in a new phase of recovery with a “renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life”. Again she signed off with a message of optimism and compassion, saying, “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand.”

Following the release, Kate was heaped with praise from some of the country’s biggest cancer charities, who said that her decision to speak openly about her own experience was likely to have a long-lasting impact on others.

“The Princess of Wales’ bravery brings attention to an experience faced by nearly one in two of us, and prompts us all to reflect on our own health and listen to our bodies,” said Michelle Mitchell, the chief executive of Cancer Research UK.

A spokesperson from Macmillan Cancer Support added that Kate’s openness would “no doubt give hope” to many others, and “encourage more open conversations about the impact cancer can have on people’s lives”.