Princess of Wales Visits Royal Marsden Hospital to Thank Staff
The Princess of Wales, Catherine, recently visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London to express her gratitude to the staff who treated her during her cancer journey. This marked her first significant solo royal engagement since completing her treatment.
A Personal Thank You to Medical Staff
Princess Catherine took the opportunity to meet with the medical staff at the hospital, thanking them for their care and compassion. Her visit also confirmed that this was the hospital where she had received her cancer treatment.
Sharing Personal Experiences with Patients
During her visit, Princess Catherine spoke to cancer patients, offering comfort and empathy based on her own experiences. She shared words of encouragement with a woman undergoing chemotherapy, saying, “It’s really tough. It’s such a shock. Everyone told me, ‘please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference.’”
Talking About the Long-Term Effects of Treatment
Catherine reflected on the ongoing challenges that come after completing cancer treatment. She mentioned, “You think the treatment has finished and you can return to normal, but it’s still a real challenge. There are side effects, but there are also long-term effects that people don’t talk about as much.”
She added, “The body is amazing at telling us ‘you need to take time out.’” Catherine acknowledged that even after finishing treatment, recovery can be difficult.
Offering Support and Reassurance
Before leaving the hospital, Catherine hugged a woman who appeared to be a visitor. She expressed sympathy, saying, “I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could do to help.” She assured the woman, “There is light at the end of the tunnel. You’re in the best hands.”
Highlighting the Hospital’s World-Class Care
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace explained that Catherine’s visit was not only to thank the hospital staff but also to highlight the exceptional care provided at the Royal Marsden.
A Year of Recovery and Return to Public Engagements
It has been almost a year since Catherine’s health issues were first revealed. After undergoing abdominal surgery last January, she announced in March that she was receiving cancer treatment. In September, she shared that her chemotherapy had ended. Since then, she has gradually returned to public events, including Remembrance Sunday and her Christmas carol concert, marking positive signs of recovery.
Catherine Becomes Joint Royal Patron of Royal Marsden
Princess Catherine’s visit also marked her first big engagement of 2025, where she announced she would become the joint royal patron of the Royal Marsden Hospital, joining Prince William in this role. The hospital, which specializes in cancer treatment and research, was founded in 1851 and treats around 59,000 patients every year. Diana, Princess of Wales, had been a previous royal patron of the hospital.
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