Kate Middleton is giving back to the hospital where she was treated for cancer last year. The Princess of Wales, along with her husband Prince William, have become joint patrons of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. During their visit to announce their new endeavor, Middleton shared an update on her own cancer journey. Keep reading to see the sweet moments from her visit to the hospital and see what she said.
Princess Kate becomes joint patron of Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital
The Royal Marsden announced that Princess Kate is joining Prince William in his work on behalf of London’s cancer hospital, where he has served as President since 2007. He succeeds his late mother, Princess Diana, who previously held the same position.
“The visit saw Her Royal Highness meet with patients in the Diane McCarthy Medical Day Unit, where chemotherapy and immunotherapy are delivered,” the hospital said. “Funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the Unit is designed specifically to maximise the comfort of patients by creating a bright and peaceful environment. The Princess also met with staff and thanked them for the vital care they provide and all they do for patients and their families.”
During her visit, Princess Kate listened to insights about research, treatment and care (specifically supportive therapies) at The Royal Marsden from patients and staff, as well as how the support of the charity makes this work possible.
She also offered to complement patients’ medical treatment, such as the Emerging from the Haze Programme which has developed resources to better support patients experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), the hospital shared.
Princess Kate also spoke to patients about the positive impact these programs can have both on their physical and mental health.
The princess took to Instagram to issue a statement of her own, where she delved further into her personal connection to the cancer institute and what she hopes to accomplish in her new role.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DE0XDdGtCC2/?hl=en
“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,” she wrote. “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.
We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
The princess went on to explain that her goal is to help support “groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing” to save more lives and enhance the experience of those affected by the disease.
Princess Kate shares an update on her cancer remission
While the Princess announced that she had finished her chemotherapy in March, she offered no further details regarding her present condition at the time. Now, she’s taking the opportunity to reveal important news.
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” the Princess wrote. “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. C.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DE0BZyJN1kt/?hl=en
Inside Princess Kate’s year-long cancer journey
This partnership (and public appearance, which the Princess has made scarce since her health struggles began) follows a year-long cancer battle.
In March 2024, the Princess released a video statement disclosing that she was in the “early stages” of preventive chemotherapy after being diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer.
In September, the Princess issued another video update alongside Prince William and their children, George, Charlotte and Louis, that she had finished her chemotherapy and was looking forward to continuing to recover.
