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Kate Middleton's Public Cancer Battle Is a 'Transformative Moment for the British Monarchy'

kate middleton public cancer battle transformative moment monarchy
Source: @KENSINGTONROYAL/X

Kate Middleton is expected to slowly return to royal duties after announcing she is 'cancer-free.'

Sept. 10 2024, Published 11:07 a.m. ET

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Kate Middleton returned to social media on Monday, September 9, to reveal she is "cancer-free," but the princess' decision to update fans on her health via social media could change how the royal family will connect with the public going forward.

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kate middleton public cancer battle transformative moment monarchy
Source: @KENSINGTONROYAL/X

Kate Middleton took to social media to update fans on her health.

"Catherine’s openness about her recent cancer journey has been a transformative moment for the British monarchy," British broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti told an outlet. "By sharing personal videos and updates about her treatment, Kate broke with royal tradition, which typically maintains privacy around health matters."

In the video shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales' Instagram and X accounts, the mom-of-three is seen with her husband, Prince William, their three kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.

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kate middleton public cancer battle transformative moment monarchy
Source: @KENSINGTONROYAL/X

Kate Middleton has been praised for her vulnerability.

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Throughout her time in the royal fold, Kate has been celebrated for her relatability and for prioritizing her small children. In the clip, the future queen highlighted the importance of family and stood in solidarity with people continuing to battle cancer.

"Her transparency not only humanized her but also showed the public her resilience, reinforcing her image as the future of the monarchy," Sacerdoti shared. "The approach, especially using social media, signals a modern royal family. Her video is a massive shift in communication style for the royal family … it gives a hint of how things might operate in the future."

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kate middleton public cancer battle transformative moment monarchy
Source: @KENSINGTONROYAL/X

Prince William has been supportive of Kate Middleton as she battles cancer.

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Although the princess is in remission, the public will have to wait to see how her role will evolve with her health.

"Now that she’s cancer-free, her next steps involve a balance between maintaining her health and resuming royal duties," he said. "Insiders suggested she’ll return to public engagements slowly while continuing to focus on causes like mental health and children’s development. Her candidness has strengthened her connection with the public and set a precedent for the monarchy in handling personal issues with grace and openness."

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kate middleton public cancer battle transformative moment monarchy
Source: @KENSINGTONROYAL/X

Kate Middleton previously said Prince William is a 'great source of comfort' during her health battle.

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Initially, Kate took a six-month break from the spotlight to focus on her health, but she's not expected to return to work slowly but surely. "As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family," Kate began in a post on September 9. "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," the mom-of-three continued. "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."

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Kate's brush with mortality reminded the princess and William of their priorities.

"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," the future queen said. "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," she revealed. "I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can."

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Since going public with her condition, Kate has recieved an outpouring of well-wishes.

"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," the princess shared.

"Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling," Kate concluded. "To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright."

Sacerdoti spoke to Fox News Digital.

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