Kate Middleton has shared an honest look into her challenging journey since overcoming cancer, admitting that life after treatment has brought unexpected struggles.

Speaking during a meaningful visit to a hospital garden this week, the Princess of Wales opened up about the tough reality she’s faced since announcing she was cancer-free. It marked her first public remarks since she abruptly withdrew from a planned appearance alongside King Charles at the Royal Ascot, a move that reportedly caused concern within royal circles. Palace aides at the time explained Kate’s last-minute cancellation was about maintaining “balance.”

Standing among blooming flowers at the garden—where a new rose named after her was planted—Kate spoke candidly about how difficult the post-treatment period has been, even compared to the cancer treatment itself.

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

She explained that many patients find themselves outside the close care of medical teams but still unable to resume everyday life as they once knew it. “You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to. And actually, 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,” she said.

Kate emphasized that finding a “new normal” can be a bumpy ride. “You have to find your new normal and that takes time… and it’s a rollercoaster, it’s not smooth, like you expect it to be. The reality is you go through hard times,” she said.

The Princess of Wales, 43, publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024. The illness was discovered after she underwent an unspecified abdominal surgery. She later announced she had completed chemotherapy by September, and by early 2025, she confirmed she was in remission.

Kate’s father-in-law, King Charles, has also been battling his own cancer diagnosis, making this a particularly trying chapter for the royal family.

Nature has become an important source of healing for Kate throughout her recovery. Her office shared that the new hospital garden she helped open is a tribute to the restorative power of being outdoors. It’s a place meant to highlight how spending time in nature can support mental, physical, and spiritual health.

A source recently told The Daily Beast that the past 18 months have felt like Kate has been “to hell and back,” describing her as “fortunate to be even speaking of recovery.” Reports suggest she’s taking this time to rethink her entire approach to balancing royal duties with her personal well-being.

It’s expected that Kate will make an appearance at the Wimbledon tennis championships despite a heatwave sweeping the U.K. But insiders say she and Prince William are determined to protect her from burnout. “Kate is recalibrating her entire life, her entire work-life balance,” one source said. “If she needs more time to recover, William will fight tooth and nail to see she is given it.”

Kate’s willingness to speak so openly about her struggle serves as an important reminder that for many cancer survivors, recovery doesn’t always mean an instant return to “normal”—it’s an ongoing journey, one that she hopes will inspire and support others facing the same road ahead.