Princess of Wales Reveals She Could Not Read During Chemotherapy: Colouring Was Her Therapeutic Outlet

The Princess of Wales has opened up about the cognitive challenges she faced during her chemotherapy treatment, revealing that she found herself unable to concentrate enough to read or focus on other tasks. Speaking candidly with patients at the Christie cancer care hospital last month, Catherine, 44, described the experience as one that left her struggling to engage with written materials or demanding activities.

“I don’t know about you, but I didn’t have the ability to read or really focus on anything,” she told the group, her words resonating deeply with those who have experienced similar difficulties. She added that colouring provided a welcome alternative — “just a way of playing and losing yourself,” as she put it. The activity appealed to her precisely because it required no finished product, no pressure to complete a piece. “It did not require an end product, or an end finished piece,” she explained, offering patients a sense of calm and creativity amid their own challenges.

The difficulty Catherine experienced is one that many cancer patients recognise all too well. Often referred to as “chemo brain” or “chemo fog,” the condition involves impaired concentration, clouded thinking, and difficulty with memory or focus. While the exact causes remain unclear, experts point to a combination of factors including the chemicals used in treatment, stress, pain, and disrupted sleep patterns. The Princess’s openness about her own struggles is a powerful reminder that these effects can be real and widespread, even among those who have never spoken publicly about them.

Catherine first revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and completed her course of chemotherapy later that September. By January 2025, she announced that she was in remission and gradually began resuming her public engagements and royal duties. The journey from diagnosis to recovery was one of quiet strength and resilience, and her recent comments at the Christie hospital have added to the public’s admiration for her courage and openness.

Her connection to the arts predates her health challenges and has been a consistent thread throughout her life. Catherine studied art history at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, graduating in 2005. Her fondness for creative outlets became public in 2016 when Prince William revealed that his wife enjoyed colouring in Johanna Basford’s Secret Garden colouring book. “Prince William actually said that his wife likes to colour in Secret Garden, which was really sweet,” the illustrator recounted at the time.

A Catherine-themed colouring book was even sold at Kensington Palace shortly after the news broke, offering fans a tangible way to connect with her interests. Beyond her own creative pursuits, the Princess has been a vocal advocate for artistic expression within her family. Last autumn, during a visit to the National Federation of Women’s Institutes in London, she spoke movingly about the importance of “making and crafting” as a way to build community and connection. She also shared that her children had spent their summer “crafting in every corner of the house,” highlighting the value she places on creative play.

Through her Shaping Us initiative, part of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, Catherine has consistently championed the role of creative activities in child development. She has shared portraits her children had drawn of her as powerful examples of how art can foster emotional growth and family bonds. These efforts underscore her belief that creativity is not merely a hobby but a vital tool for well-being and connection.

The difficulties she experienced during chemotherapy appear to have deepened her appreciation for simple, restorative activities like colouring. Where reading or complex tasks once felt overwhelming, colouring offered a space of play and escape without the pressure of a finished result. Her recent comments at the Christie hospital have been warmly received by patients and supporters alike, reinforcing her reputation as a compassionate and relatable figure.

As the Princess continues her recovery and returns to public life, her story serves as a reminder that health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of status or background. Her openness about the cognitive effects of treatment has helped normalise conversations around mental health and wellbeing during medical care. Many fans have shared their own experiences in response, finding comfort in knowing they are not alone.

Catherine’s love for creative outlets has always been part of her identity, and her diagnosis appears to have strengthened rather than diminished that passion. The colouring book that became a bestseller after her diagnosis showed how her hobbies can provide comfort and connection to others. Her children’s involvement in crafting activities continues to reflect the values she instils at home.

The Christie hospital visit marked another chapter in Catherine’s journey of recovery and openness. Her candid discussion with patients highlighted the universal nature of the challenges faced during treatment, from concentration difficulties to the emotional toll of illness. By sharing her experience, she has helped foster greater understanding and compassion within the wider community.

As she continues to balance family life with public duties, the Princess remains a powerful example of resilience and grace. Her story — from the early days of her royal career to her recent health journey — has inspired countless people. The ability to find solace in simple activities like colouring, even when other tasks felt impossible, speaks to the quiet strength that has defined her public life.

Catherine’s message at the Christie hospital will likely resonate for years to come. It serves as a gentle reminder that creativity and play can be powerful tools for healing, even in the most difficult times. Her journey, and her willingness to share it, has shown that behind every royal duty and public engagement lies a person who values authenticity, connection, and the simple joys of everyday life.

The Princess of Wales continues to inspire through her openness and grace. Her recent comments about the cognitive challenges of chemotherapy have reminded everyone that health is fragile and that the support of loved ones and communities is essential. Her love for colouring, art, and crafting remains a beautiful part of her identity, offering a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, creativity can bring comfort and joy.