The Princess of Wales has told cancer patients “you are not alone” as she issued a powerful message to mark World Cancer Day. Reflecting on her own cancer journey, Catherine spoke of the “fear and exhaustion” that accompanies the diagnosis in a film released by Kensington Palace at 5pm.

The princess aims to highlight the non-linear nature of a cancer journey, from diagnosis through to recovery, which also includes moments of “strength, kindness and profound connection”. In a deeply personal message, Catherine says: “Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding and hope. Please know you are not alone.”

The 40-second video shows footage of Catherine’s visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, of which she is joint Patron alongside The Prince, in January last year, when she announced she was in remission from cancer.

The Princess of Wales during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, London (Image: PA)

As clips from the engagement are shown, the princess is heard reading her message as calming music is played.

“On World Cancer Day, my thoughts are with everyone who is facing a cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment or finding their way through recovery,” she says. “Cancer touches so many lives. Not only patients, but the families and friends and caregivers who walk beside them.

“As anyone who has experienced this journey will know, it’s not linear. There are moments of fear and exhaustion. But also moments of strength, kindness, and profound connection.

“Today is a reminder of the importance of care, understanding and hope. Please know you are not alone.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the King marked World Cancer Day by thanking those who “work tirelessly to save and improve lives”.

Resharing his Stand Up to Cancer message that was first issued on December 12, the 77-year-old monarch says: “I just wanted to ask you to join me today in finding a special place in your hearts, and your minds and prayers for the hundreds of thousands of people across our United Kingdom who receive a cancer diagnosis each year – and for the millions more who love and care for them.

The Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital (Image: PA)

The Princess of Wales talks with Peter Burton during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital (Image: PA)

“Throughout my own cancer journey, I have been profoundly moved by what I can only call the ‘community of care’ that surrounds every cancer patient – the specialists, the nurses, researchers and volunteers who work tirelessly to save and improve lives.”

The video, where the King revealed doctors had given him the “good news” that he is able to reduce his own cancer treatment, includes footage of the monarch visiting cancer patients and specialists.

A separate post shared by the official social media account of the King and Queen highlighted the Royal Family’s longstanding commitment to UK cancer charities through their patronages, such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie’s and The Royal Marsden.

At the start of 2024, both the King and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer in quick succession.