As her first official engagement of the year, the Princess of Wales visited the Royal Marsden Hospital on Tuesday, where she made a significant announcement. Upon her arrival, she received a warm welcome from the hospital's chief executive, Dame Cie Palmer, and was introduced to the chairman, Sir Douglas Flint.
Reflecting on her private visits to the facility over the past few months, Catherine shared her emotions about entering the hospital through the main entrance for the first time during her cancer journey. "My heartfelt thanks go to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything," she expressed, smiling broadly. "We couldn’t have asked for more."
Later, Catherine revealed that she had become joint patron, alongside Prince William, of the organization that runs the hospital. In this new role, she shared her dedication to supporting others facing similar challenges that she and her family had experienced. "In my new role as joint patron of the Royal Marsden, my hope is that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family well-being, we might save many more lives and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer."
The mother of three also emphasized the importance of holistic care, both on good and bad days, for patients and their loved ones. "I feel like, for the loved ones around us, they need support just as much as I did as the patient," she added. "The treatments are really so different and so varied, and it impacts families differently." Reflecting on her return to the hospital after completing her own treatment, Catherine said, "I was just saying, coming in through the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits... actually, it’s quite nice."
Following her visit, Catherine took to social media to announce that her cancer is now in remission, expressing relief and gratitude for having made it through. She shared with the patients that she had gone through a particularly tough time and, six months later, joyfully revealed the completion of her treatment. In a heartwarming video, Catherine gave a glimpse into the Wales family life, featuring moments with her husband, Prince William, and their children, Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (9), and Prince Louis (6). The video, shot by family friend and London-based filmmaker Will War, was filmed at their country retreat in Norfolk. The family is seen enjoying the outdoors, with William embracing Catherine lovingly as she wraps an arm around him, a rare display of their affection after 13 years of marriage.
In her voiceover, the princess reflected on the importance of family and gratitude: "This time has, above all, reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted—of simply loving and being loved."
Royal fans were quick to express their joy at Catherine’s recovery and her planned appearances for the autumn. During her visit to the Royal Marsden, Catherine also stressed the importance of self-care during and after cancer treatment. "I really felt like I needed to get the sun, you need loads of water and loads of sunlight," she said. At one point, when a patient's machinery began beeping, signaling treatment, Catherine remarked, "I recognize that beep."
The visit was an opportunity for the princess to personally thank the staff for their care, support, and compassion throughout a challenging year following her diagnosis. Her message to others facing similar struggles ended with words of solidarity: "To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey, I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand."
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said the princess wanted to visit both to express her gratitude to the remarkable team at the hospital and to highlight the world-class care and treatment the Royal Marsden provides.
