Catherine shares a poignant moment at the Royal Marsden Hospital, expressing gratitude and optimism during her recovery journey.
The Princess of Wales, Catherine, has revealed that she is in remission from cancer during an unannounced visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
This visit marked a significant moment in her personal journey, as she took the opportunity to thank the medical staff and meet with patients undergoing treatment.
Catherine's diagnosis, previously undisclosed regarding the treatment location, came as a shock last year when she underwent chemotherapy.
During her visit, she expressed relief at being in remission and underscored the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.
'It’s really tough.
It’s such a shock,' she told one chemotherapy patient, urging them to keep doing things that bring joy.
In a social media post following her visit, the princess extended her heartfelt gratitude to the hospital staff for their care over the past year.
She also acknowledged the quiet support of her husband,
Prince William, as they navigated the challenges of her diagnosis together.
During her hour-long engagement, Catherine reflected on the challenges of treatment cycles: 'Sometimes you feel relatively well, and then you have another one.
Sometimes from the outside, we all think you’ve finished treatment and you go back to things.
But it’s hard to get back to normal.' She emphasized appreciating life's small joys, which often go unnoticed.
The princess also shared practical advice from her own experience, noting the importance of self-care during treatment.
'I really felt like I needed to get the sun.
You need loads of water and loads of sunlight,' she advised, capturing the nuanced balance required during recovery.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson highlighted the dual purpose of the visit: to express gratitude to the hospital's staff and to acknowledge the world-leading care provided at Royal Marsden.
This visit also marked the announcement of Catherine as a joint patron of the Royal Marsden Hospital Trust alongside her husband.
Looking back nearly a year after her initial surgery and diagnosis following an abdominal procedure, Catherine's return to her public duties is expected to be gradual.
Her poignant visit to Royal Marsden underscores her commitment to raising awareness about cancer care and the personal resilience required during recovery.