Kate Middleton shared a brief but moving reflection tied to her own cancer treatment during an unannounced visit to a London hospital with Prince William.
The Princess of Wales, 43, made the comment while visiting Charing Cross Hospital in west London on Jan. 8. As she spoke with a volunteer who supports chemotherapy patients, the volunteer noted that patients and visitors can be there “for hours.” Kate responded simply, “I know,” Hello! magazine reported. She then added, “We know,” while touching William’s arm.
Prince William, 43, also alluded to his wife’s recent experience with cancer during a roundtable discussion at the hospital. According to The Sun, he told staff, “Both of us have had different experiences with hospitals. Me working with the air ambulance; Catherine with her recent health journey.”
He continued: “And coming here today and reminding ourselves just how important all the teams are, all the staff, the patients. It’s so heartwarming, and it’s so important that we kind of acknowledge and appreciate all that goes on in the NHS and that very strong bond between patient and carer.”
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The moment was a rare public reference from Kate about her health, following her cancer treatment in 2024.
In March 2024, she shared a video message announcing she was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. She stepped back from public duties to focus on recovery and later said in September 2024 that she had completed chemotherapy.
In January 2025, she said with “relief” that she was in remission after a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital’s Chelsea hub. That update coincided with confirmation that she received treatment at The Royal Marsden during her cancer journey.
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Kate gradually returned to a more regular schedule of royal work in 2025 and began 2026 with William through a surprise joint appearance marking the start of the new year’s duties.
During the Jan. 8 visit, the couple—joint patrons of NHS Charities Together—visited Charing Cross Hospital to spotlight the efforts of NHS staff and volunteers as services face increased winter demand. They surprised healthcare workers during a tea break, heard about pressures during winter virus season, and met volunteers whose work helps support patients and ease strain on the wider workforce.
The appearance came after their children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—returned to school following a break, and just ahead of Kate’s birthday on Friday, Jan. 9.
