Kate opens up about 'difficult' cancer treatment during hospital visit

The Princess of Wales has spoken of the challenges of “getting back to normal” after cancer treatment, thanking staff and sharing experiences with patients at the hospital where she was treated.

Catherine visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London to personally thank staff for their care and compassion – a visit that also confirmed she had been treated here.

She speaks to cancer patients with empathy she has experienced firsthand, making it her most important personal royal engagement since the end of her treatment.

Catherine told a woman undergoing chemotherapy: 'It's been really hard… it's been shocking… everyone has been saying to me, 'Please stay positive, it makes a big difference'. “

Catherine, now here as a visitor rather than a patient, expresses sympathy for those undergoing treatment and describes the long-term effects she still feels.

“You think treatment is over and you can move on and get back to normal, but it's still a real challenge,” she said.

“Those words just go out the window. As a patient, we have to understand – yes, there are side effects to treatment, but there are actually longer-term side effects.”

The princess told hospital patients: “The body has a magical way of telling us 'you need a break'.”

Asked how she was feeling, Catherine said she felt fine but added: “Sometimes from the outside we all think you're done with treatment and you can go back to normal. But it's hard to get back to normal.”

Before leaving, Catherine hugged a woman who appeared to be a visitor.

“I'm sorry. I wish I could have helped more,” the princess told the woman.

“I wanted to come and express my support for the great work being done here and for the people who are going through treatment and going through such a difficult time.”

Catherine added: “Are you okay? Are you okay? There is light at the end of the tunnel. It's great to see you and I wish you the best of luck. You are in the best hands.”

Describing the personal importance of the visit, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The Princess wishes to use this trip to express her gratitude to this incredible team while also highlighting World-leading care and treatment provided by The Marsden.”

It's almost a year since the princess' health issues first came to light, since it was announced last January that she had undergone abdominal surgery.

Catherine later announced in a video statement in March that she was Receiving early stages of cancer treatment – and posted a video in September saying she Chemotherapy is over.

After treatment, she gradually resumed more public engagements, including Remembrance Day and Christmas carol concerts at Westminster Abbey, which were seen as positive signs of her recovery.

The Princess has now completed her first major event of 2025 – returning to the hospital where she was treated to visit those who have helped her at the Royal Marsden, which specializes in cancer treatment and research.

Catherine has become a joint royal patron of the hospital, as has Prince William.

Diana, Princess of Wales, was a former royal patron.

The Royal Marsden was established in 1851 as a specialist cancer hospital and treats 59,000 patients each year.