Princess Kate visits hospital where she received cancer treatment and makes big announcement…..Read More

The Princess of Wales has made a poignant public visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she received her treatment last year.

Arriving at the hospital, she was greeted by its chief executive, Dame Cally Palmer, and introduced to the chairman, Sir Douglas Flint. She expressed her delight at entering through the main door after having visited in secret for many months. “I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice,” she said.

Announcing she will become its joint patron alongside her husband Prince William, Kate sat with patients currently undergoing treatment at the world-leading cancer centre in Chelsea.

Walking in to greet patients, the Princess said: “very nice to meet you too.” Chatting to one woman who was wearing a cold cap, she asked: “When did you first start treatment? Oh, today? How are you finding it?”

During her visit, Kate, who was dressed in a long dark brown tartan coat and burgundy polo neck and skirt, was praised for her parenting while dealing with her diagnosis. “I think you’ve managed the children amazingly well,” one women told her, to which she replied: “oh thanks.. it’s just trying to do the best.”

She added: “The treatments are really so different and varied, it impacts families differently.”

Of the importance of looking after oneself during and after treatment, Kate said: “I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight. “When one woman’s machinery started beeping during their conversation, signalling treatment was needed, she said: “I recognise that beep!”

As she left, Kate hugged Tina Adumou, whose 19-year-old daughter is currently in ICU and broke down into tears when she told the Princess about it.

“I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could to help. I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that’s going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time,” Kate told Tina.

Kate added: “Are you ok? Yes?” then said, smiling: “There is light at the end of that tunnel, very nice to meet you and best of luck.

“You are in the best of hands.

HELLO! understands the Princess chose the Marsden for her return to solo royal duties because she wanted to show her support for other cancer patients and to thank staff for their “exceptional” care, support and compassion throughout her own experience last year.