For her first public engagement of 2025, Princess Kate Middleton returned to the hospital where she underwent cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales, 43, paid a visit to the staff and patients of the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Tuesday, January 14, during which she opened up about her own recovery journey. “You think treatment’s finished, crack on with that … daily tasks, but that’s still, like, a real challenge,” she said to staff members, per the Daily Mail. “And talking … the words totally disappear … understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.”
According to the outlet, Kate emphasized the power of “resilience” to one patient, stating: “It’s to keep coming back … to be as positive as you are. The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently.”
Kate braved the winter weather in a brown plaid coat for her latest outing, which she wore on top of a simple and chic maroon long-sleeved dress. She completed the look with a matching maroon handbag.
Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England.
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She was greeted by the hospital’s chief executive, Dame Cally Palmer, and chairman, Sir Douglas Flint. “I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice,” she said upon arrival, per Hello! magazine.
While speaking with more patients, one person reportedly told Kate that she’s “managed the children amazingly well” while dealing with her health issues, to which she replied, “Oh thanks … it’s just trying to do the best.” (Kate shares kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, with her husband, Prince William.)
Per Hello!, Kate also stated that cancer treatments “are really so different and varied, it impacts families differently.”
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace told multiple outlets on Tuesday that Kate “wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment [that] Marsden provides.”
Kate’s visit to the hospital comes amid news that she and William, 42, have become joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. William, however, did not join his wife during her Tuesday visit.
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“We were honored to welcome Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning, and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer center,” Palmer, 67, said in a Tuesday statement, per Hello! magazine.
She added: “We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage – it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families.”
One month after King Charles III announced his own cancer diagnosis, and following months of speculation, Kate revealed in March 2024 that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for an unspecified form of cancer. “We hope that you’ll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she said in a video statement at the time. “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I’m able. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.”
In September 2024, Kate shared that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment but was still on a “long” road to recovery. “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling,” she said in a video featuring new footage of herself, and William with their kids. “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
Kate will reportedly follow up her hospital visit by attending the 2025 BAFTA Awards on February 16. She skipped last year’s awards ceremony due to her health, while William walked the event red carpet solo.
