Duchess Catherine has announced that she has completed her challenging health journey, but said her recovery will be a long one. She shared:

"I am beyond relieved to have completed this process. The last nine months have been extremely challenging for my family," Catherine's office said in a statement on September 9.

According to Catherine, the journey to facing this challenge has been complex, worrying and unpredictable. "It forces you to face your own vulnerabilities in a way you never thought possible, which opens up a whole new perspective on life," Catherine shared.

She also said that time has made her and William realize the value of the simple but extremely important things in life, things we often take for granted. "It's just about loving and being loved," Catherine added.

Catherine said she expected to take part in some public engagements later this year, although she had a “long recovery ahead of her”. Her most recent appearances since announcing her illness were at the Flag Procession in June and the Wimbledon tennis tournament in July.

Catherine, 42, spent two weeks in hospital in January after suffering an abdominal problem. She announced her health problems two months later. Her Kensington Palace office said the difficult process began in February, but did not specify what the problem was.