Kate Middleton took a poignant walk down memory lane, reminiscing about the challenges her family faced during her battle with cancer. The 43-year-old Princess of Wales made a surprise visit to the hospital where she underwent treatment for a significant portion of the previous year. During her tour of the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on January 14, Kate encountered inquisitive patients and caring staff who were eager to check on her well-being.
One concerned patient commended her parenting skills, expressing, “I think you’ve managed the children amazingly well.” Kate humbly responded, “It’s just trying to do the best.” She candidly shared with The Daily Mirror, “You think treatment is finished, you 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.”
During another heartwarming exchange, Kate engaged warmly with Ruth Bosworth, who had been at the hospital supporting her husband Richard through treatment. Ruth echoed the sentiments of many, acknowledging Kate’s fortitude in navigating the tumultuous journey while caring for her children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. Reflecting on the cycles of treatment, Kate admitted, “sometimes you feel relatively well, and then you have another one.”
Kate’s dedication to self-care shone through as she emphasized the importance of sunshine and hydration during and after treatment, asserting, “I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight.” This visit coincided with the announcement that both Kate and her husband, Prince William, 42, had been named as patrons of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, further solidifying their commitment to supporting the hospital’s exceptional care standards.
The Royal Marsden holds a special place in Prince William’s heart, as he has been actively involved with the hospital trust for over a decade. In 2007, William was appointed President of the hospital, a role previously held by his late mother, Princess Diana. Kate’s visit on January 14 was not just a gesture of gratitude towards the hospital staff but also aimed to highlight the world-class care and treatment provided by the Marsden.
Following the royal couple’s visit, Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, expressed her joy at Kate and William becoming joint patrons of the hospital. She stated, “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.”
As Kate walked the halls of the hospital that had played a crucial role in her cancer journey, she not only shared her experiences but also provided comfort and encouragement to patients and staff alike. Her visit was a testament to her resilience, her dedication to self-care, and her unwavering support for the exceptional healthcare professionals at the Royal
