Princess Kate recently made her first solo public appearance in over a year, visiting the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she had previously received cancer treatment.

The visit was especially meaningful as the future Queen took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the hospital staff for their exceptional care, compassion, and support during her treatment, while also showing her solidarity with current patients.

As she walked through the hospital’s front revolving door, Kate remarked, “Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.”

While speaking with a patient who had just started chemotherapy, Kate acknowledged the challenges faced by families during treatment. “The treatments are really so different and so varied, It impacts families differently,” she said. When the patient praised her for managing her children well, Kate humbly responded, “It’s just trying to do the best…”

Reflecting on her own experience, she shared, “You think treatment is finished, crack on with that… daily tasks… but that’s still a real challenge. And understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.”

Kate revealed she had completed her chemotherapy treatment at the end of last summer, following her diagnosis in February. Her cancer diagnosis came after spending two weeks at The London Clinic in Marylebone for abdominal surgery. After announcing a leave of absence from royal duties, Kate, 43, made several public appearances, including at the King’s official birthday, Trooping the Colour, and the Wimbledon Championships alongside her sister Pippa and daughter Princess Charlotte last June.

Kate is expected to gradually return to official duties in the coming months. However, Kensington Palace emphasized that the process would be gradual, and her visit to the Marsden was to reflect on her personal journey.

A spokesperson from Kensington Palace explained, “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.”

During her visit, the mother-of-three interacted with staff and patients currently undergoing treatment. Additionally, it was announced that Kate would join her husband, Prince William, as a joint Royal Patron of the Royal Marsden.