Graceful Kate shows she’s stronger than ever in sweet display of family unity to reveal end of chemo, say royal experts

In a statement she said: "As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.

"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. 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.

"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."

WOW! In 40 years of covering the Royal Family I have never seen anything like Catherine’s video.

It’s a first for the royals and these wonderful three minutes of footage brings home just how grateful this young family are that their mum is over the worst.

Finally, after nearly six months of chemotherapy, Catherine is looking forward to being cancer-free.

And joy and relief for the royal couple and their amazing children oozes from every frame.

Once William told me the reason he and Kate took their time getting engaged was because he wanted to make sure his marriage would last forever.

Watching Kate snuggle into her husband’s shoulder as they sat on a pile of logs in the pine woods at Holkham beach, in Norfolk, says to me that they are still very much in love.

Maybe even more so now than in 2011 when I photographed them kissing — twice — on the Buckingham Palace balcony after their wedding.

And I am sure following the toughest few months of their 13-year marriage it will last forever.

Because they have survived the dark days — and they have a bright future to look forward to.

You see a family celebrating, as Catherine says in her voiceover, the simple things in life — stuff that ordinary families do when they are together.

Picnicking, playing cards, having fun and laughter — running into the sea with your clothes on, not a care in the world.

The spot they picked to record the video last month is a firm favourite with the royals, who used to have a summer house there. It is where I photographed the Queen Mum walking her dogs along the shore. And for this next generation of royals that spot will have many happy memories — especially for the children who will always remember this was where they learned that their Mama was getting better.

In 1969, Prince Philip persuaded the Queen to allow cameras to follow them and the children in what was a groundbreaking documentary.

Back then, the royals seemed stilted and a bit remote — a family with a life that most of their subjects could not even imagine.

But here Catherine, William, George, Charlotte and young Louis are a normal family with the same problems the rest of us have to go through.

The kids look so happy that Kate is well and getting slowly back to work, back to the school run and all those things that mothers do but we take for granted.

In the video, she goes on to say simply loving and being loved is so important in life.

With Catherine and the King both having treatment, it shows that cancer doesn’t care who you are — whether a sovereign, a princess or a pauper, this disease is a lottery.

Like millions of families, I know that when you lose someone close who you dearly love from this terrible illness, it’s heartbreaking.

But Catherine has shown the world that you can survive cancer if you catch it early.

I have certainly missed photographing Her Royal Highness on royal engagements this year.

And I am sure William cannot wait to have her back by his side when they travel at home and abroad.

The last time I took Catherine’s picture was at Trooping the Colour in June when she appeared in the carriage and on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

This beautiful woman is one of the brightest stars in the Royal Family.

Everything she does is followed throughout the world and she gets more publicity than any other royal.

In this incredible video, Kate looks happy and well but obviously she’s not completely ready for full-time work.

Bear in mind she will be doing this work for the rest of her life and there will be no retirement for her.

So it’s in everybody’s interest that the Princess gets fully fit before she goes properly back to work.

I, for one, am happy to wait however long it takes — even if she won’t be back at work properly until Remembrance Sunday or even Christmas for her magical carol service at Westminster Abbey.

But when winter is not far away, seeing this lovely family so happy and blessed in the Norfolk sunshine should cheer us all up — and give the country hope for the future.