Princess Kate describes her cancer recovery as a 'rollercoaster' in new appearance

The Princess of Wales has explained that her cancer recovery has been a "rollercoaster" and spoke about the pressure to put on a brave face when you are struggling to function at home as you usually would.

The Princess made the admission during a trip to Essex on Wednesday as she toured a Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital which was opened in July 2024. While there, the Princess learned all about how it is a relaxing and restorative space for NHS staff, patients and visitors.

Last January, the Princess announced that her cancer was in remission and that she was looking forward to easing herself back into royal life.

Speaking to a group of people at the hospital, the Princess was heard to say: "You have to find your new normal and that takes time...and it's a roller coaster it's not one smooth plain, which you expect it to be but the reality is it's not, you go through hard times."

The RHS's Wellbeing Garden was created in partnership with the RHS, Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, and NHS Charities Together, the latter of which is jointly patronised by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The Princess' visit to Essex today also coincided with the donation of 50 'Catherine's Rose' plants, named for the Princess by the RHS, to Colchester Hospital. Funds from sales went to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

As a passionate advocate for the benefits nature and being outdoors have for everyone, Kate made the visit today to raise awareness of the important role that spending time in nature plays in bringing us joy and supporting our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Nature has long been a subject dear to the Princess' heart. Back in May, she shared a video of a secret trip to the Lake District with the Scouts and spoke warmly about how nature helps her find a "sense of peace and reconnection".

A few days later, she launched a video series in which she revealed how she embraced "the healing power of nature" during her cancer treatment. In the first of a series of films celebrating the seasons, she urged society to "reconnect to nature and celebrate a new dawn within our hearts."