The Princess of Wales told cancer patients that her three children were her “first thought” after her diagnosis – and the “inspiration” behind keeping going.
Kate, 44, returned to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Friday, where she underwent her chemotherapy treatment in 2024, for a surprise solo outing.
The royal mother-of-three, who had joined her husband Prince William on Thursday for a joint engagement to Liverpool, met patients undergoing treatment before hearing how the funds raised from her Three Peaks mountain challenge are being spent.
She spoke to patient Sam Suriakumar, 41, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour six years ago, and has two daughters, aged five and three, telling him: “It’s amazing how resilient you can be.”
Sam said afterwards: “It was such a fantastic experience. She is such a humble human being. I felt we were able to connect because of our cancer journeys and because of our kids. We were speaking about how our kids had to go through that as well and how they gave us the inspiration to keep pushing forward. We had such a lovely chat. I was very, very nervous, but she makes you feel very welcome.”
“Her care and interest in hearing my story was huge for me. I forgot she was a princess and was speaking to her like any other cancer patient.”
He added: “We both had similar things happen when we were told what we were going through; the first things that came to our minds were our kids and our family.”
Kate announced she had cancer in an emotional video in March 2024, just weeks apart from her father-in-law, King Charles, receiving a global outpouring of support.
© Getty ImagesPrincess of Wales opens up about ‘changes’ brought by cancer
The future Queen, who is joint Royal Marsden patron with William, also spoke to Mike Collett, 74, who has been treated for head and neck cancer. He explained that the cancer had damaged his vocal cords and windpipe, leading to physical and mental challenges and the grief of losing his voice.
Kate, wearing an apple-green dress from Suzannah London, said: “Cancer changes so much of you. It’s not just the physical changes your body is going through; it’s not just about providing support during the treatment; it raises so many issues.
© Getty Images“It’s living your life beyond. Everything changes.”
She continued: “Something so primitive like breath becomes so precious. The psychological impact that might have, the vulnerability to something so essential. And the ability to be able to communicate and share your story.”
Professor Sanjay Popat, the Royal Marsden’s chief medical officer, said about Kate after the visit: “She’s an incredible person, and what she has done in raising awareness of cancer is huge, and lifting the stigma of cancer and lifting the stigma of being treated with cancer.”
Kate’s close connection to the Royal Marsden after her cancer journey
Kate was treated at the Royal Marsden for an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024, and underwent a course of chemotherapy before announcing in January 2025 that she was in remission.
She has remained close to the hospital and those who work there, returning for a visit in January 2025 and sending a delivery of daffodils in March 2026.
The royal raised money for the Royal Marsden through her Three Peaks mountain climbing challenge in June, saying on Friday it was her “small way of being able to give back”.
Speaking after she’d climbed Ben Nevis, Snowdon, and Scafell Pike (the highest mountains in Scotland, Wales, and England), she said: “The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life-changing for so many people.”
She added: “This challenge will support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping to transform access to, and understanding of, holistic care that will enhance recovery and healing for patients across the UK.”
The latest outing came just one day after Kate travelled to Liverpool to support the Prince of Wales for the launch of his suicide prevention toolkit.
The couple arrived at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday for their first public engagement since their summer break and the return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the UK.
Earlier this week, they braved the rain for school drop-off as they joined eldest son Prince George, 13, for his first day at Eton College.
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