Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, visited with cancer patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she received treatment for her own cancer. In one of two related Instagram posts, she revealed her cancer is in remission. 

“It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focussed on recovery,” she wrote. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead.”

In March 2024, Kate announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had started chemotherapy. The princess, who is also known as Catherine and is married to Prince William, the heir to the British throne, has not disclosed the specific type of cancer she had. In her original post, Kate said that the cancer had been discovered during major abdominal surgery. In September, the princess announced that she had completed chemotherapy and planned to focus on remaining cancer-free.

During her visit to the Royal Marsden hospital, Kate chatted with staff and patients. She joked with patient Katherine Field about getting attached to her chemotherapy port, reports the Daily Mail. Field was wearing a cold cap during her chemo treatment, which helps preserve one’s hair. The Mail noted that Kate probably did not use a cold cap herself.

The visit, which took place just days after the princess’s 43rd birthday—marked Kate’s first major solo outing  in over a year. As she entered the Chelsea hospital, she noted, “Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.” The visit was a way to thank the staff and show support to fellow patients.

Here’s the full test of her Instagram post:

“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.

 

“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

 

“We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.

 

“In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.

 

“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C”

Of note, Prince William's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was also a royal patron of the hospital.

In another Instagram post, featuring a video montage of her visit, Kate reiterated, “The work of the @royalmarsden is world-leading, pioneering and life-saving. It’s a remarkable charity supporting advances in cancer research, treatment and care, and the work of a hospital that has done so much for so many.”

To learn need-to-know facts about cancer, visit our Cancer 101 Basics. You’ll find information on treatments, screenings, prevention, diagnoses, the different types of cancer and more.