The Princess of Wales has described her cancer treatment as “quite a daunting experience” during a surprise hospital visit alongside Prince William, where the couple thanked NHS staff and volunteers for their work through winter.
Catherine and William made an unannounced appearance at Charing Cross Hospital in west London during a volunteer tea break, acknowledging frontline staff for their hard work during the colder months.
While speaking with volunteers about patient support, the Princess reflected on her own experience with cancer treatment, describing it as “quite a daunting experience”.
Prince William had originally been scheduled to visit the hospital alone for his first official engagement since the Christmas break, aimed at supporting hospitals during winter demand.
However, the engagement became a joint appearance after a last-minute change, with the Princess of Wales joining him ahead of her 44th birthday tomorrow.
The visit was intended to recognise the work of NHS staff during a challenging winter period.
Hospital staff and volunteers were shocked as the royal couple entered the canteen to join a tea gathering organised in their honour.
Volunteers said “wow” as William and Kate, dressed in a burgundy suit, arrived.
William greeted those present with “happy New Year” before jokingly checking his watch and asking, “Can we still say that?”
Maureen Gilmour, 86, a volunteer of three years who works with chemotherapy patients, said “people sit there for hours,” to which Kate responded, “I know”.
She again touched William and said, “We know.”
Gilmour added, “They are so sweet. Everyone is really positive and I have to say I love it.”
During discussions with supporters, Prince William referred to “Catherine’s recent health journey”.
Speaking about a tour of hospital facilities organised by NHS Charities Together, the future King said, “Both of us have had different experiences with hospital. Me working in the air ambulance, Catherine with her recent health journey and coming here today and reminding ourselves of just how important all the teams are.
“All the staff and patient interactions, it’s so heartwarming and it’s so important that we acknowledge and appreciate all that goes on in the NHS and the very strong bond between patient and carer.”
The Prince of Wales also spoke about the importance of philanthropy within the NHS and how “powerful” it can be.
“It needs that support and renewed energy.
“We all applauded the NHS for many weeks through Covid and this feels like like a moment to remind ourselves why we did that applauding and why the next stage and energy level into the NHS can come from the likes of you around the table in this room.
“As joint patrons of NHS Charities Together we are so fortunate, so proud at everything that is being done around Charities Together.”
He also highlighted inequality in charitable income across the country, saying, “It shouldn’t really be a case of where you are around the country. If there is excitement and opportunity we should embrace it.”
Speaking with a patient, the Princess said, “I was just saying that you need the medical support but actually being able to have the sort of holistic support alongside it … it must help the days go past.”
She went on to describe the availability of holistic care spaces as “fantastic”, adding, “Creativity and nature played such a huge part in my recovery journey.”
Addressing volunteers, Kate again described the experience of treatment as “quite daunting”.
She said, “So you’ve got have that support from you as a team.”
She added, “From a patients experience it’s important things not in job description such kindness and as compassion.”
William praised staff for being “diligent”, while Kate spoke of the importance of “interaction” between patients and volunteers.
William said, “You should be very proud of giving your time and knowing what to say and not way to say is a skill.”
Kate spoke about “the difference it makes for patients.”
The couple also visited the hospital’s neuro-rehabilitation centre, where patients were participating in therapy gym sessions and arts and crafts activities.
Speaking with one patient who is able to leave his ward for therapy, the Princess said, “You need medical support but also a holistic approach.”
She compared long hospital stays to “Groundhog Day”.
After learning the patient had spent Christmas Day in hospital, she laughed when he said he enjoyed eating Brussels sprouts.
She told him, “It’s really tough. Sorry it’s difficult journey. You are surrounded by lots of support.”
In the activity area, the couple met patients relearning how to walk and others taking part in games.
The Princess said, “It must be nice to be doing things like this as a distraction from medical things.”
Speaking to another patient, she said, “Activities and nature have been a huge part of my recovery journey.”
The engagement marked the couple’s first official royal appearance of the year.
As they departed, William and Kate met additional NHS staff who had waited to greet them.
Kate told them, “There’s amazing work going on here.
“It makes a big difference to patients.”
William added, “You guys keep it all going.”
The tea room visited during the engagement was funded by Imperial Health Charity, a member of NHS Charities Together, of which the Prince and Princess of Wales are joint patrons.
The visit was also intended to highlight the work of NHS Charities Together, a role the couple assumed during the Covid pandemic.
Kate, who revealed 13 months ago that her cancer was in remission, and William attended amid warnings of increased winter pressure on the NHS.
Later, the couple joined NHS charity CEOs, trustees and health leaders for discussions on philanthropy within the health service.
NHS Charities Together represents more than 220 NHS charities across every NHS Trust and Health Board in the UK, contributing £1.5 million daily to support innovation, patient care and staff wellbeing.
Funding is directed toward equipment, facilities, green spaces and arts programs.
The roundtable discussion was hosted by Ellie Orton OBE, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, and included clinicians, patients and volunteers.
Images: Instagram
