Kate Middleton Turned to a Traditional Chinese Medicine Technique amid Cancer Journey That She Also Used While Pregnant

The Princess of Wales spoke candidly about her cancer treatment and recovery during a hospital visit

Catherine, Princess of Wales during a visit to the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital
Kate Middleton at Colchester Hospital on July 2, 2025.Credit : Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool/Getty

  • Kate Middleton reportedly revealed that she had acupuncture while recovering from cancer
  • Princess Kate, 43, made the revelation at Colchester Hospital on July 2
  • The Daily Mail reported that the royal previously had acupuncture when she was pregnant with son Prince George, 11

Kate Middleton has revealed a holistic practice she featured in her routine during her cancer journey.

On July 2, the Princess of Wales, 43, shared the tidbit during a visit to Colchester Hospital to see the center’s Wellbeing Garden.

Speaking to therapist Amanda Green during a walkabout outside the hospital, Kate said she had tried acupuncture, according to The Telegraph.

While speaking to a group of patients about different techniques offered by the hospital’s cancer well-being center, the Princess of Wales said, “What seems to be really fantastic is that there is a real personal approach: what helps one person – acupuncture or something – might not help another,” according to the outlet.

The Mayo Clinic explains that acupuncture is a key aspect of traditional Chinese medicine, in which thin needles are inserted at strategic points across the body. The method is used to treat pain or to boost general wellness, including stress management.

The Daily Mail noted it might not be the first time Princess Kate has had acupuncture, either. According to the outlet, the royal had the treatment while pregnant with Prince George, now 11, and suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes morning sickness.

Catherine, Princess of Wales gestures during a visit to the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital
Kate Middleton at Colchester Hospital on July 2, 2025. Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool/Getty

The Princess of Wales also navigated the same condition while pregnant with her younger children, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.

Princess Kate spoke with candor about her cancer journey during her stop at Colchester Hospital on July 2 in her first public outing after she missed what was touted as an anticipated appearance at Royal Ascot with Prince William on June 18.

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

“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 continued.  “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.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales, planting a rose during a visit to the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital on July 2, 2025 in Colchester, England
Kate Middleton plants a rose at RHS’s Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital on July 2, 2025.Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool/Getty

Princess Kate described a cancer diagnosis as “life-changing” for both the patient and their families, acknowledging the shock and emotional “roller coaster” that comes with it.

“You have to find your new normal and that takes time…and it’s a roller coaster, it’s not smooth, like you expect it to be. But the reality is you go through hard times,” she said.

In March 2024, the Princess of Wales announced that she was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer she said was detected following an abdominal surgery she had had that January. The royal reduced her duties to focus on her health and shared in September that she completed chemotherapy.

In January, Princess Kate announced that she was in remission following a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital, where she previously received treatment.

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Catherine, Princess of Wales during a visit to the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital on July 2, 2025 in Colchester, England.
Kate Middleton at Colchester Hospital on July 2, 2025.Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool/Getty

Princess Kate has seemingly made a full return to royal work in the months since, sparking speculation about what seemed to be a last-minute absence at Royal Ascot.

PEOPLE understands that an inaccurate carriage listing was mistakenly issued by Royal Ascot, creating confusion when Princess Kate didn’t join William as anticipated.

The Princess of Wales was said to be disappointed not to be able to attend the horse race, but those close to her say it’s about striking the right balance as she eases back into public duties.

“She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life,” Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson previously told PEOPLE about how Kate is pacing herself.