The Princess of Wales is set to attend this year's Commonwealth Day service. Her Royal Highness will join her husband the Prince of Wales, as well as King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at the service of celebration on Monday, March 10, at Westminster Abbey.
This year’s theme is "Together We Thrive." According to The Commonwealth website, the theme is "rooted in the principles of family, unity and peace" and "highlights the importance of fostering strong and connected communities that support and empower their members, enabling meaningful progress."
Prince William and his stepmother attended the 2024 service sans their respective spouses. His Majesty was diagnosed with a form of cancer last year, while it was previously announced that the Princess, who underwent major abdominal surgery in January 2024, was "unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter." Unbeknownst at the time, Catherine had begun a course of preventative chemotherapy in late February 2024. Her Royal Highness announced on March 22, 2024 that she was in the early stages of that treatment.
The Princess revealed in September that she had completed her treatment. "As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," she said in a personal message. "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."
"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. 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. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus," Catherine continued. "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. Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life."
The Princess concluded her message saying, "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. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. 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."
Following her first public engagement of 2025, Catherine shared that she is in remission. "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal," she wrote in another personal message. "I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."