Princess of Wales returns to cancer hospital to personally thank staff

On By Littum


London
CNN
—

Catherine, Princess of Wales carried out a deeply personal engagement on Tuesday on a visit the London hospital where she underwent cancer treatment to express her gratitude to the staff who have supported her over the past year.

The Princess of Wales made the poignant visit to the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Chelsea, west London, where she met medical teams and spoke to patients currently receiving treatment, Kensington Palace said.

The palace also announced that Catherine will become joint patron of the specialist cancer center with her husband, Prince William.

Tuesday’s unannounced visit was her first solo engagement this year as the royal continues a gradual return to her public duties.

“The Princess wanted to take the trip to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also to highlight the world-leading care and treatment that Marsden provides,” a Kensington Palace spokesman said.

The royal, who is also known as Kate, stepped back from her public duties last year to undergo treatment for an unspecified cancer. In September, she announced that she had finished her chemotherapy and said she is “doing what I can to stay cancer-free.”

Catherine talks to Richard Bosworth, centre, during the visit to the hospital where she was treated last year.

Prince William last week praised his wife and mother of their three children as she celebrated her 43rd birthday, saying “ The strength you have shown over the last year has been remarkable.”

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The Royal Marsden was the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education when it opened in 1851. Today, the facility remains a world-leading cancer centre.

Prince William has held the role of president of the hospital since 2007, a role that previously belonged to his late mother, Diana.

As joint royal patron is understood that Kate will support the hospital’s work in advancing cancer research, treatment and care, and learn more about how it can benefit patients in the future.

“We are incredibly fortunate to receive the Royal Patronage – it is inspirational to staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families,” said the hospital’s chief executive, Cally Palmer .