It is an impressively candid revelation from the Princess of Wales, who has opened up before about the difficulties that come with a cancer diagnosis. Indeed, the mocha coloured Blazé Milano blazer that she chose for the ocassion was an especially poignant choice for Kate, who previously wore it during a highly personal photograph back in June 2024, when she updated the public on her health, revealing that she was ‘making good progress’ with her treatment, but that she wasn’t ‘out of the woods yet’.
Notably, the Princess chose to wear her engagement ring in Colchester. The sapphire gemstone, which once belonged to Princess Diana, has been a variable item in Kate’s jewellery box, with the royal occasionally opting to replace it with her eternity ring at recent public events.
The royal joined volunteers to plant a set of ‘Catherine’s roses’ in the garden. Named by the RHS in honour of the Princess of Wales, the blooms (bred by Harness Roses) are intended to celebrate the healing power of nature that Kate has spoken about so often in recent months.
Kate planting the roses at the garden
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With its subtle, coral-pink flowers, the rose is said to have a rich scent with hints of Turkish Delight and mango. Funds from its sale will go to a cause very close to Kate’s heart: the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, to help the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust establish a unique training programme for clinical teams across the country. This specialist programme will help to ensure patients who need intensive support receive it, so that they can live better lives with, and beyond, cancer.