The Princess of Wales carried out a moving public engagement today as she visited the hospital where she received her cancer treatment last year. Kate, who has said she is now in remission, spoke with staff and patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital, sharing some details of her own experience as a patient.
“It’s really tough, it’s such a shock,” the U.K’s Press Association reported that Kate said of chemotherapy. The Princess also discussed the port used to administer chemotherapy, which is implanted in patients until they have finished their course of treatment. “I got so attached to it,” the Press Association reported that Kate said, adding that she hesitated when told she could have it taken out. "You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that's still a real challenge," the BBC reported that Kate told one patient.
Kate received her treatment at the Royal Marsden discreetly last year, and the Daily Mail reported today that she remarked on the novelty of coming in through the front entrance this morning.
Her public visit was her first outing of 2025 and her first solo engagement since retuning to duties last September after announcing she had finished chemotherapy. A spokesperson said that she wanted to make the journey to show her “gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the work leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.”
Prince William and Kate were announced as joint Patrons of the Royal Marsden following the visit this morning.
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.
