Kate Middleton Has Finished Chemo, Says ‘Last 9 Months Have Been Incredibly Tough’

Kate Middleton has finished her chemotherapy treatment and is sharing personal details about her journey since being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

On Monday, Sept. 9, the Princess of Wales released an emotional video message, which featured her husband Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed,” Kate says in the video. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.

“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.

“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.

“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. 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.

“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.

“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.

“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”

The Princess of Wales has been largely absent from public life throughout the entirety of 2024. After undergoing a planned abdominal surgery in January, Kate announced in a moving video message on March 22 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving chemotherapy. She has only been seen in an official capacity twice this year — on June 15 at Trooping the Colour and on July 14 at Wimbledon, alongside her daughter Princess Charlotte and her sister Pippa Middleton.

The Sunday Times reported Sept. 8 that Kate hoped to “potentially” join her husband Prince William, father-in-law King Charles and the rest of the royal family as they pay tribute to fallen service members on Remembrance Sunday, which this year falls on Nov. 10.

The event, which sees royals, politicians and military leaders gather at the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, London, is a staple in the royal calendar each year.

Kensington Palace told PEOPLE that aides have already started planning for the Princess of Wales’ annual holiday carol concert in December, which the royal has hosted and attended with her family for the past three years.

On Sept. 6, Kate shared a message congratulating adventurer and TV presenter Dwayne Fields on his new role as Chief Scout of Scouts UK. (She is the joint president of the organization alongside Queen Elizabeth’s cousin, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent.)

“Looking forward to working with you!” Kate wrote, signing off with her initial “C,” signifying it was from her personally.

In a heartfelt statement released in June accompanied by a portrait taken under a tree at Windsor, Kate wrote that while she has “good days,” the challenges of chemotherapy also brought about tough days, too. In her March video address, she shared that her work continues to bring her “a deep sense of joy,” and as she continued cancer treatment this summer, Kate worked from home at Adelaide Cottage. She has held regular meetings with her private secretary Tom White, assistant private secretary Natalie Burrows and the Prince and Prince of Wales’ communications secretary Lee Thompson to discuss plans for the future and stay updated on the latest from her various royal initiatives.

“It’s good not to feel under pressure and just take her time and have slow days if she needs to,” a source told PEOPLE over the summer.

Prince William, 42, returned to public duty Sept. 5 after a summer spent with Kate, also 42, and their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. The three kids returned to school the same week as their father returned to work following a summer spent primarily at their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, as well as time at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Kate was photographed driving to church at Crathie Kirk on Aug. 25.

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After her Wimbledon appearance in July, royal biographer Robert Jobson, author of the new book Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen, told PEOPLE “Before, she used to live her life by the calendar, and now she is living her life, and the calendar comes in after.”

He added, “She will be back, but when you have had an experience like this, it changes your perspective and the order of things.”