Kate Middleton spent much of 2024 battling cancer. In September, she thankfully announced that she is “cancer-free.”
And so on Christmas Day, Kate shared her appreciation for the gift of life and said that she’s “hugely grateful” after her cancer battle. Even better, she met a nurse who shared how inspiring she has been to other cancer patients.
Kate Is ‘Hugely Grateful’ After Beating Cancer
After attending a Christmas morning service at St. Mary Magdalene church, Kate, 42, stopped to speak with well-wishers who had gathered in Sandringham. One person that she stopped to speak to was Rachel Anvil, a 24 year-old worker at Cambridge’s Royal Papworth Hospital, part of Britain’s National Health Service, who began her career in a cancer unit.
“I started my career in the Macmillan cancer unit, and I just wanted to say, you’re an inspiration to all the patients,” Rachel told Kate in a video posted to Instagram.
“Thank you, honestly,” a visibly moved Kate replied. “The amount of people who have written this year is extraordinary and I think cancer just really does resonate with so many families.”
Rachel went on to say that “having someone so influential actually share their story” was meaningful to the masses.
Watch:
“People like you are doing all the hard work out there,” Kate said in response. “I’m hugely grateful.”
“We’re all behind you, never forget that,” Rachel’s mother told the wife of Prince William. Kate smiled as she thanked them for their “kind” words.
Related: Princess Kate Middleton’s Battle With Cancer ‘Strengthened Her Christian Faith’
Rachel Gushes Over Kate
Afterwards, Rachel gushed about Kate to The New York Post.
“I didn’t go expecting to have such a lovely opportunity,” Rachel said. She added that she wanted to say something about how much the princess has meant to cancer sufferers, “especially after the year she had.”
“I feel very lucky. It was a lovely high,” she continued.
For Rachel, cancer is something that she’s dealt with both professionally and personally.
“I saw what a cancer journey was like first hand. My great-grandmother passed away from lung cancer,” she revealed. Rachel was able to personally provide her great-grandmother with “final care” because of her experience working in the NHS.
“My heart belongs to the NHS and health care,” she stated.
Meeting Kate is something that Rachel will never forget.
“Getting that opportunity — I shook hands with the future queen of England and got to tell her what a wonderful job she’s doing,” she concluded. “How many people get to do that? I will never forget it. It was such a buzz.”
Kate Successfully Beats Cancer
Kate never specified the specific type of cancer that she had. Instead, she would only say that it was found during abdominal surgery back in January. Kate revealed back in September that she has now beaten cancer.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Kate began in a video posted to social media. “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,” she 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.”
Kate went on to say that she’s “cancer free.” However, she knows that she still has a long road to recovery ahead of her.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus,” she said. “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.”
Check out the full video below.
Kate certainly does have a lot to be grateful for during this holiday season. Please join us in saying a prayer for her continued good health in 2025!
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