Kate Middleton Details “Really Difficult” Phase After Cancer Journey

Kate Middleton is getting real about life after her health battle.

The Princess of Wales returned to public duties two weeks after pulling out of a scheduled appearance with a visit to Colchester Hospital in Essex July 2. While spending time in a newly-opened well-being garden for patients and staff, Kate opened up about the hurdles she’s faced since completing treatment for breast cancer.

“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,” the 43-year-old said, per People. “Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.”

Kate—who shares Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, with husband Prince William—went on to discuss the importance of having support after treatment, which can be “life-changing” for one’s mental health.

“You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to,” she explained. “And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable.”