Princess Kate's public video and cancer diagnosis is "changing public perception for the better", and helping the public understand each patient has their own journey - an expert believes. The Princess of Wales stepped back from public life after her abdominal surgery in January and subsequent cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

The Princess of Wales is now undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy and has recently announced she would attend some engagements over the summer if doctors give her the green light, with Trooping the Colour 2024 marking her first official engagement of the year.

Gareth Russell, a royal author spoke to GB News about her journey: "Anytime the Princess of Wales makes a public appearance, it reminds people of how fluctuating and personal each patient's journey with cancer is, and that's a great thing for us all to be reminded of."

He added: "As she said herself she's not out of the woods yet, but being able to attend occasional public events as she eases herself back into public life while also continuing to prioritise her health and her children, is a good thing for the public to see the individuality of each patient's journey."

After the public announcement, visits to the cancer pages of England’s public health system website surged by 373% following the news of Kate Middleton’s diagnosis.

The National Health Service England’s "cancer symptoms" page received 4,172 visits — more than twice the number it received over the same period the week before.

Thanks to the Princess’ video, "we have seen a spike in people visiting vital information on our website about signs and symptoms," NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson said in a statement.

Macmillan Cancer Support also said they saw the number of visits to their charity’s online information and support pages skyrocket. Following the sharp rise in online visits to the page, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support Gemma Peters said that in sharing her experiences, Kate had raised awareness of the worries many people have about cancer.

Ms Peters added that Kate’s openness would also "encourage others" with worries to step forward. She explained: "In sharing her news the Princess of Wales has raised awareness of these worries and will be helping to encourage others who have concerns, to visit their GP and seek support."

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said King Charles – also receiving cancer treatment – was "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did".

The monarch also received praise from the medical profession after announcing he had been diagnosed with a form of cancer earlier this year. President of the GP section at the Royal Society of Medicine praised the King for his bravery and how it would help people step forward.

He said: "We have made leaps and bounds in our cancer treatment and survival rates, and the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the more options there are for treatment.

"We would also like to thank His Majesty for using his unique position in highlighting how cancer is indiscriminate in who it affects and that there should be no shame or embarrassment in coming forward to seek help and advice."