The Princess of Wales has opened up about her own cancer treatment with a seven-word statement while speaking to patients during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she received treatment for her illness.
Kate returned to the cancer centre in Chelsea, west London, on Tuesday morning, where she expressed her gratitude to her medical teams and showed support to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
The surprise official solo engagement – the princess’s first of 2025 – was described as an important moment in Kate’s “personal journey”.
The future Queen spoke to patients and members of staff during what is thought to be an “incredibly poignant” outing for the royal.
She told one patient who was having chemotherapy of her own treatment: “It’s really tough. It’s such a shock.”
Kate noted: “Everyone said to me please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference.”
She added: “When I came in everyone said ‘make sure you have all your warm things (clothes) on’ because of the side effects.”
The Princess asked patients about details of their treatment, trials, wellbeing, and asked after their families.
“Oh my goodness,” she said, shaking her head, as she heard accounts of difficult, long treatment.
Of the importance of looking after yourself during and after treatment, Kate said: “I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight.”
When one woman’s machinery started beeping during their conversation, signalling treatment was needed, the princess remarked: “I recognise that beep.”
It is understood the visit was an opportunity for the princess to personally thank the staff for their care, support and compassion over what has been a challenging year following her diagnosis.
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.”
