A Northern Ireland woman who was in a London hospital for cancer treatment was “blown away” by a chance meeting with the Princess of Wales, who made a special visit to the facility earlier this week.
On Tuesday, Kate met with patients and staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital in South West London, where she received treatment for the disease last year.
In March 2024, the princess confirmed she was having preventative treatment after tests following abdominal surgery found that cancer had been present.
During the Royal Marsden visit, she revealed she was in remission from cancer.
Kensington Palace said the royal had wanted to “show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides”.
As she arrived, the princess said it was nice to enter through the main entrance after “having made so many quiet, private visits”.
Angela Terry, originally from Carrickfergus, has been undergoing treatment for the past six years, after she was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer.
She is the non-executive chair of EGFR Positive UK, the only UK charity for EGFR+ lung cancer advocacy, empowerment and support for those diagnosed with the form of cancer which primarily affects women and non-smokers.
Angela, who now lives outside Oxford, was waiting for treatment as Kate walked past and she said the two made eye contact and smiled.
“I knew the director of nursing, who was tasked with looking after Kate during her visit, and I asked if I could meet her and take a photo and she agreed,” explained Angela.
“As she walked down the corridor, she caught my eye and we both smiled.
“And both the princess and director of nursing were highly complimentary of the work the charity does.
“We spoke for about three minutes and got some pictures taken. She was just so lovely and highly personable.
“My first thought was: ‘My mum would have loved this.’ I have always loved the royals, but to be able to stand next to her and tell her about the work the charity does was just something special. It was magical to meet her.
“I was just blown away by how she manages herself. She obviously has this impression of being elegant and full of poise, but she has this amazing combination of remaining professional but at the same time adding a personal touch; she comes across very genuine and sincere.”
Princess of Wales during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, where she received her cancer treatment, to personally thank staff for her care. Pic: PA
Angela said that the princess was interested in asking questions and finding out about the treatment patients are going through.
“She radiated great empathy during her visit,” she said, “and she was responding to other people, barely speaking about herself.
“As a patient, I was personally so thrilled to see her and see her look so well. It definitely gives you hope.
“She also went to the NHS part of the hospital, which was nice because she was talking to ordinary patients who go there every day. And she announced she was in remission that afternoon. It was all so very special.”
Angela first became involved in EGFR Positive UK six years ago, shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer.
“I come from a non-medical background but previously worked in management and leadership training with pharmaceutical companies,” she explained.
“I was primarily working as a business psychologist, but when I was diagnosed, I found out about this charity and the fantastic work that they do.
“Our charity is all about supporting patients and their families and raising awareness that you can get lung cancer even if you’ve never smoked in your life, which most people don’t know.”
To learn more about the charity and/or how to get involved, visit www.egfrpositive.org.uk