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Kate confirmed she is now in remission from cancer after an emotional visit to the Royal Marsden, the hospital where she was treated last year, as ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship reports
The Princess of Wales is in remission from cancer, she announced on Tuesday.
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” she said in a statement, announcing that she and the Prince of Wales had been made joint patrons of the Royal Marsden.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year, ” she wrote.
“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.”
The patronage was announced following the princess’s visit to the trust’s Chelsea site on Tuesday, where she met patients currently undergoing treatment, as well as staff from across the hospital.
Kate, dressed in a long dark tartan coat and burgundy polo neck and skirt, said as she arrived at the hospital’s main entrance: “I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.”
Sitting alongside one patient, who was wearing a cold cap while receiving treatment, she asked: “When did you first start treatment? Oh, today? How are you finding it?”
The Princess of Wales talks with Peter Burton during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital Credit: PA
In her new role as patron, Kate was said to be looking forward to supporting the Marsden’s work in advancing cancer research, treatment, and care as well as learning more about how it can benefit patients in the future.
One woman told the Princess of Wales as she chatted to patients and their families on the ward: “I think you’ve managed the children amazingly well.”
Kate replied: “Oh that’s kind,” adding: “The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently.”
Speaking to others on the ward, she said she knew as a “patient it is often harder for the loved ones” and that it makes you “appreciate all the small things in life.”
Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said the hospital was “honoured” to welcome her to the hospital.
“[We] are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre,” she said.
“We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage – it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families,” she added.
“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,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said.
The Princess of Wales spoke to staff and patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital
It had not been previously known that Kate, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, was treated at the Marsden, and the visit was her first official engagement of 2025.
Kate confirmed she had completed her course of preventative chemotherapy in September and has been gradually returning to public duties since.
In March, the princess revealed that after a successful abdominal surgery, subsequent tests found her condition was cancerous.
Her announcement followed King Charles’ cancer diagnosis in February.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “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 Princess of Wales shared a rare intimate video of her and her family where she spoke of relief after finishing her cancer treatment. Credit: Will Warr
The Wales’ family have previously held roles at The Royal Marden, which was the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis and treatment to open in 1851.
William has been the hospitals president since 2007 – a position which was previously held by his mother, Diana.
Recently, he praised the “remarkable strength” Kate has shown over the last year.
Kate also shared a rare intimate video of her and her family where she spoke of relief after finishing her cancer treatment.
“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
“Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright,” she said.
Kate’s cancer diagnosis came in the same year as the King’s, who’s treatment is still ongoing.
King Charles was diagnosed after a hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, when a separate issue of concern was noted.
The subsequent diagnostic tests identified a form of cancer.
In his Christmas message, he reflected on his and his daughter-in-laws cancer and passed on his personal thanks to the doctors and nurses who had given them “strength, care and comfort”.
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