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Princess of Wales Shares Personal Insights During Visit to Royal Marsden Hospital

In a heartfelt appearance during her first official engagement of the year, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, opened up about her experiences with cancer treatment. This visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14 serves not only as a personal milestone for the princess but also underlines her role as a patron of the esteemed institution.

During the surprise visit, Princess Kate met with patients and hospital staff, engaging in meaningful conversations that highlighted her empathy and understanding of the struggles faced by those undergoing treatment. Notably, she shared her thoughts on having a chemotherapy port, a crucial device for administering cancer treatments, with one patient, Katherine Field. Field, who was using a cold cap to mitigate hair loss during her chemotherapy, prompted the princess to recount her own feelings regarding the port she had while receiving care.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Princess Kate expressed, “I got so attached to it,” referring to her chemotherapy port and humorously noted her reluctance to part with it when advised it could be removed.

The Cleveland Clinic describes a chemotherapy port as a small, implantable device attached to a vein, designed to facilitate easy access for treatment. While the princess has not publicly disclosed specific details about her diagnosis, she previously revealed in March 2024 that she was undergoing cancer treatment, later announcing her completion of chemotherapy in September.

Post her visit, on January 14, Princess Kate shared that she is currently in remission, providing hope and strength to many who may be facing similar challenges. Her visit demonstrated not only a commitment to her health but also a determination to connect with others experiencing the impact of cancer.

Engaging with various patients, she emphasized the importance of camaraderie among those in treatment, noting, “I had to do it privately and quietly but being on a ward like this has to be reassuring in a way?” She acknowledged the supportive messages she received, saying, “Everyone said to me, please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference.”

Princess Kate also reflected on the practical aspects of treatment, recalling advice she received to dress warmly during chemotherapy sessions due to potential side effects. She praised the hospital staff, expressing her gratitude by stating, “They’ve been fantastic. You feel in good hands.”

The Royal Marsden Hospital, recognized as the world’s first dedicated cancer facility since its opening in 1851, was thanked by the princess in a message shared later in the day via X. In her heartfelt note, she conveyed, “I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year… The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”

Looking ahead, the princess hopes to leverage her patronage to enhance research and promote the well-being of patients and their families, believing this will positively transform the cancer treatment experience for many. “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery,” she shared. Acknowledging the journey ahead, she remarked on the time it takes to adjust to a ‘new normal’ following a cancer diagnosis, but also expressed optimism for the year ahead.

A spokesperson for Kensington Palace highlighted Princess Kate’s intent behind the visit, stating, “The princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team and to highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.”

This visit occurred shortly before the one-year mark of the palace’s announcement regarding her planned abdominal surgery, which ultimately revealed her cancer diagnosis. Princess Kate’s openness serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for many facing similar battles.

Source
people.com