Kate Middleton has opened up once again about the emotional and physical toll of cancer, offering a personal glimpse into her ongoing recovery since completing preventative chemotherapy earlier this year.

Speaking during a visit to Colchester Hospital’s wellbeing garden on July 2, the Princess of Wales, 43, reflected on the reality of post-treatment life — a stage she described as surprisingly difficult and often overlooked.

“You put on a brave face through treatment,” she said. “And when it’s over, people expect you to be back to normal. But that’s not the case at all.”

Kate, who planted a new ‘Catherine’s Rose’ during her visit, explained that although treatment has ended and she is in remission, the healing process is far from linear.

“You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re also not able to function the way you used to,” she added. “There’s this expectation — from others and yourself — that you’re just ‘better’ now. But that’s not how it works.”

She admitted that it’s taken time to adjust, and even now she’s still learning how to give herself space to heal. “It’s about finding your new normal,” she said.