Princess Kate has revealed the key advice she received on “dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy”.
The Princess of Wales made an emotional return to the Royal Marsden Hospital today, where she received her cancer treatment last year.
Kate, 43, visited the London hospital’s Chelsea site to thank staff for their “exceptional care” during her treatment.
During her visit, the princess shared candid advice from her treatment journey with current patients.
Kate reveals key advice she received on ‘dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy’
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“Everyone said to me please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference,” she told one patient undergoing chemotherapy.
“It’s really tough,” she empathised with another. “It’s such a shock.”
She advised patients to stay warm during treatment and emphasised the importance of self-care: “I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight.”
In a touching moment, when a patient’s treatment machine started beeping, the princess remarked: “I recognise that beep!”
She shared warm embraces with several patients, including Rebecca Mendelhson, and listened intently to their stories.
Kate underwent chemotherapy treatment at the Royal Marsden last year
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“The body is amazing at telling us ‘you need to take time out’,” she told one patient after hearing about their diagnosis.
When praised for managing her children well during treatment, Kate smiled warmly and responded: “Oh, that’s kind.”
The princess spoke candidly about the challenges of returning to normal life after treatment.
“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 reflected.
She described how treatment affects patients in cycles, noting: “Sometimes you feel relatively well, and then you have another one.”
Kate wishing farewell to the staff at the Royal Marsden
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The princess emphasised the importance of “doing the things that give you joy.”
Speaking about holistic care, the princess stressed that “continuity is so important, on good days and bad days.”
She highlighted the impact on families, saying: “I feel like it’s sometimes for the loved ones around us. They need support just as much as I did as the patient.”
The princess discussed the challenges of processing a diagnosis: “It’s the uncertainty of that initial diagnosis. It’s such a wealth of information.”
Kensington Palace announced that the princess will join Prince William as joint royal patron of the hospital, a role once held by Diana, Princess of Wales.
Princess Kate listened to patients who were undergoing treatment at the hospital
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The visit marked her first major solo engagement in more than a year.
The Royal Marsden opened its doors in 1851 as the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education. As joint patron with William, Kate will support the hospital’s work in advancing cancer research, treatment and care.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.”
Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, welcomed the new joint patronage.
“We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to the Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning,” she said. “It is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families.”