The Princess of Wales has made a heartfelt visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, the same place where she underwent cancer treatment.
This marked her first solo public appearance in over a year, and she took this opportunity to personally express her gratitude to the staff for their outstanding care, support, and kindness throughout the past year, as well as to extend her support to those currently undergoing treatment.
As she entered through the main revolving door, she remarked: “Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.”
Speaking with a patient who had just begun chemotherapy, Kate described the impact on families as ‘really, really tough’. “The treatments are really so different and so varied, It impacts families differently,” she noted.
When one patient complimented her on how well she’s managed her children, Kate responded, “It’s just trying to do the best…”
Discussing her own journey, she added: “You think treatment is finished, crack on with that… daily tasks… but that’s still a real challenge. And understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long term side effects.”
Kate revealed that she had completed her own chemotherapy treatment at the end of last summer, after being diagnosed with the disease in February. The cancer diagnosis was made by doctors after she spent two weeks at The London Clinic in Marylebone following abdominal surgery, reports the Mirror.
After taking a step back from Royal duties, Kate, 43, managed to attend significant events including the King’s official birthday in London, Trooping the Colour, and was seen with her sister Pippa and daughter Princess Charlotte at Wimbledon last June. She is expected to resume her official engagements gradually over the coming months.
Kensington Palace emphasised that the approach to the Princess’ return to public engagements remains cautious and will continue to be gradual. Her recent visit to the Marsden was a personal reflection on her journey.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace commented: “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.”
During her time there, she met with staff and patients currently undergoing treatment.
It has been revealed that the Princess will join Prince William as joint Royal Patron of the Royal Marsden. The Royal Marsden, known for its active cancer research, plays a vital role in advancing cancer treatments both in the UK and globally.
As joint Royal Patron, the Princess is keen to support the Marsden’s efforts in cancer research, treatment, and care, and is eager to learn how it can further benefit patients in the future, according to Kensington Palace.
Following comments from a Royal insider, it seems fans will need to be patient regarding more regular appearances from Kate. A source disclosed to the Daily Mail: “There is no huge reset button that’s going to be hit in January. What we will actually see is a slow continuation of the Princess balancing her recovery and her public-facing duties, as she outlined back in September [when she warned her recovery was still ongoing despite having completed her chemotherapy].”
They further explained: “Cancer impacts on your perspective, and what you have seen in the decisions they have made over the last year is that family and their children continue to be at the centre of their universe. Both Their Royal Highnesses have a strong commitment to duty, service and using their platform for good. But what they are working on is ways they can balance themselves as parents with being the Prince and Princess of Wales.”
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