Kate Middleton made a personal revelation about her experience of receiving cancer treatment at her first official engagement of the year.
The Princess of Wales, 43, stepped out for a surprise visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on Jan. 14, which came with the confirmation that she received treatment at the center and was joining Prince William as a patron of the hospital. Princess Kate met with people undergoing treatment and staff, telling one patient about her feelings around having a chemotherapy port for treatment.
According to the Daily Mailthe Princess of Wales spoke about the subject while meeting with Katherine Field, a patient. Field, 45, had on a cold cap (which helps prevent hair loss) during her chemotherapy, and the outlet said Princess Kate gestured to her own arm and chest.
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“I got so attached to it,” Princess Kate said, and joked that she hesitated when she was told, “You can have it taken out” now, the Daily Mail reported.
While the Princess of Wales didn't share specifics, the Cleveland Clinic defines a chemo port as a small implantable device, attached to a vein, which can be used to give treatments including chemotherapy. Princess Kate shared in March 2024 that she was undergoing treatment for cancer, stepped outside of the spotlight to focus on her health and shared in September that she completed chemotherapy.
Though the Princess of Wales' diagnosis remains undisclosed, she shared after the hospital stop on Jan. 14 that she is in remission.
Kate's comment about her port was one of several highly personal comments she made at Royal Marsden, where she seemed totally focused on every person she met with.
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The Daily Mail reported that she had a “lively” chat with Field, a breast cancer patient whose friend, Rachel Burns, joined her for company.
Commenting on feelings of companionship among the patients, Princess Kate said, “I had to do it privately and quietly but being on a ward like this has to be reassuring in a way?”
“Everyone said to me, please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference,” she added.
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In another reflection, the royal said she was told to “make sure you have all your warm things on” for chemo treatment, due to the side effects.
The princess praised the care team at the Royal Marsden Hospital, mentioning, “They've been fantastic. You feel in good hands.”
The Royal Marsden opened in 1851 as the world's first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education, and Princess Kate thanked the center for caring for her in a personal message on X later on Jan. 14 in which she revealed she was in remission.
“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,” Princess Kate began. “We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
The royal said she hoped to use her new post as patron to support research and clinical excellence, “as well as promoting patient and family well-being, 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 focused on recovery,” Kate said of what's next. “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, ” she wrote, and signed off “C.”
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A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said it was important for Princess Kate to visit the Royal Marsden in a show of support.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
The Princess of Wales stepped out ahead of the first anniversary of the palace announcement on Jan. 17 that she had had “planned abdominal surgery.” Princess Kate later relayed that cancer was detected then in the March 2024 announcement that she was receiving treatment for cancer.