Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton opened up about her "really difficult" cancer journey during an official engagement.
During her visit to the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital she said despite putting on a “brave face, the post-cancer treatment phase has been a real challenge.
"You're not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you're not able to function normally at home," she said.
Chatting with patients and staff, Catherine emphasised the importance of post-treatment support.
"You have to find your new normal and that takes time... and it's a rollercoaster, it's not one smooth plane, which you expect it to be. But the reality is, it's not, you go through hard times."
She also highlighted how the diagnosis can affect those close to you.
"It's life-changing for anyone, through first diagnosis or post-treatment and things like that, it is a life-changing experience both for the patient but also for the families as well.
"And actually it sometimes goes unrecognised, you don't necessarily, particularly when it's the first time, appreciate how much impact it is going to have."
Her visit included planting flowers to highlight the therapeutic benefits of nature and promote awareness of its significance in enhancing physical and mental health.
The "Catherine Roses" will be sold to to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, where the princess herself received treatment.
Her appearance is the first since cancelling plans to attend Royal Ascot as she continues to balance the demands of her public duties against the realities of her recovery from cancer.
Royal Ascot is a five-day series of horse races, and the centrepiece of the summer social season in Britain.
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