The Princess of Wales, Catherine, made an emotional visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she underwent cancer treatment last year.
Her unannounced visit was described by palace aides as a significant moment in her “personal journey” and an opportunity to thank the medical staff who supported her recovery.
The visit marked the first public disclosure of the hospital where Catherine received chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis.
During her time at the hospital, the Princess shared personal insights from her experience and offered words of encouragement to patients currently undergoing treatment.
Recalling her diagnosis, Catherine described the shock and uncertainty she faced, saying: “It’s the uncertainty of that initial diagnosis. It’s such a wealth of information. Understanding the diagnosis, it’s a massive amount of information to take on as a patient. Having that continuity, in the clinical setting and outside in the home setting, is so important.”
She emphasised the importance of staying positive, maintaining self-care, and finding joy in life’s small pleasures during treatment.
Catherine spent over an hour at the hospital’s Chelsea site, speaking with patients and staff across various departments. She offered practical advice to patients, drawing from her own journey, and praised the hospital for its world-class care.
She acknowledged the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment, including long-term side effects, and stressed the need for continuity in care both in the clinical and home settings.
The Princess also shared her experiences of post-treatment recovery, explaining the difficulties of returning to normal life after finishing treatment.
“You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that’s still a real challenge. The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient, yes there are side-effects around treatment but actually there are more long-term side-effects,” she said.
Her visit coincided with news that she has become a joint patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside her husband, Prince William.
