The Princess of Wales was pictured amid several poignant moments on Tuesday as she comforted fellow cancer patients in hospital.
Making an emotional return to Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, southwest London, where she was treated, Princess Kate spoke candidly about her own diagnosis, the “shock” of her “really tough” chemotherapy and the challenges of getting back to normal.
But, in a written personal message following the visit, the royal confirmed she is in remission from cancer. Kate, 43, wrote: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
And it was with this strength Kate was able to comfort others who have been diagnosed with cancer. The hospital, of which Princess Kate and Prince William are now joint patrons, said her visit was “inspiring for staff and patients”.
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Princess Kate was pictured talking to Katherine Field at The Royal Marsden Hospital
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At one point, the Princess had her hand near the knee of patient, looking straight into her eyes, and the woman, Katherine Field, was laughing.
Ms Field, 45, was wearing a cold cap during her chemotherapy to preserve her hair and used a “port” mechanism to deliver medicine into her arm and chest. In this poignant exchange, Kate gestured to her own arm and chest.
She told Ms Field: “I got so attached to it,” joking that she had hesitated when finally told “you can have it taken out” now. The Princess of Wales is not thought to have used a cold cap herself.
In one image, the future queen had her hand to her chest, full of compassion and understanding
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In another touching moment, the Princess of Wales is snapped hugging another patient warmly. She embraced Rebecca Mendlesohn during the visit to the hospital, which opened in 1851 and has since been a leading cancer research and treatment centre.
In a further picture, Catherine had her hand to her chest, full of compassion and understanding, as she talked to Ms Mendlesohn. The 57-year-old woman, is on a trial for secondary cancer – breast and liver.
She was among huge crowds of people gathered to see the princess outside the medical treatment room. Kate made an impromptu walkabout among patients and their supporters waiting in the corridor.
The Princess of Wales talks to Peter Burton, a myeloma patient
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During the engagement, the mum of three’s first of 2025, Kate had a quiet conversation with 58-year-old Peter Burton, a myeloma patient. Photos show the future queen lean in carefully as she talked warmly to Peter.
She was heard to say: “The body is amazing at telling us ‘you need to take time out.'” The princess, in her new role as patron, is said to be looking forward to supporting the Marsden’s work in advancing cancer research, treatment and care as well as learning more about how it can benefit patients in the future.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.”
Kate was also said to have wanted to show her support in person to those going through cancer treatment. The unannounced visit coincided with the news that Kate has become joint royal patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Prince of Wales.
The patronage was once held by Diana, Princess of Wales, and William has been its president for many years, but will now serve as co-patron with Kate.