The Princess of Wales made a surprise return to the Royal Marsden Hospital to personally thank staff who looked after her during her cancer treatment on Tuesday.
Kate spoke to workers and patients at the London hospital in an important moment in her “personal journey” four months after confirming she was cancer-free.
The solo engagement also marked the first time Royal Marsden had been named as the hospital the princess underwent preventative chemotherapy 10 months ago.
The cancer was discovered after abdominal surgery at the London Clinic in January last year.
Arriving at the front entrance, Kate, who wore a long dark brown tartan coat, told reporters: “I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.””
Inside the hospital, she spent an hour speaking to staff and patients.
One woman told the princess as she sat with patients and their families on the ward: “I think you’ve managed the children amazingly well.” Kate replied: “Oh that’s kind.”
The official engagement, Kate’s first of 2025, coincided with the announcement that the princess has become joint royal patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, joining the Prince of Wales in the role.
The patronage was once held by Diana, Princess of Wales.
“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,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said.
In her new role as patron, the princess was 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.
Last week, the Prince of Wales paid tribute to Kate, who recently turned 43, calling her the “most incredible wife and mother”. He added “the strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable”.
The visit to the Marsden hospital comes two days before the first anniversary of Kate’s admittance to hospital for major abdominal surgery on 16 January last year.
She spent nearly two weeks in hospital after the operation, and was recuperating at home when she was told she had cancer and had to begin chemotherapy.
In June, the princess, in a candid written message, revealed she was “making good progress” but had “good days and bad days”, was “not out of the woods yet” and was facing a few more months of treatment.
In September, the princess confirmed she had completed her treatment, but revealed that she, William and their children had faced an “incredibly tough” time.
