Princess Kate Middleton recently opened up about the enduring challenges she faces following cancer treatment. During a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she received care after her 2024 diagnosis, the Princess of Wales spoke candidly with staff and patients about the long-term side effects of her experience.
According to reports, Kate revealed that even after treatment concludes, daily tasks can remain a significant struggle. She also highlighted the difficulty of expressing oneself, noting that “words totally disappear.” The Princess emphasized that understanding the long-term side effects, beyond the immediate impacts of treatment, is crucial for both patients and their loved ones.
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Kate stressed the importance of continuous holistic care for both patients and their families, acknowledging that loved ones require support as much as the patient undergoing treatment. She shared her personal experience, stating that support for her family was essential during her own cancer journey.
During her visit, Kate interacted with current patients, including Katherine Field, and expressed gratitude to the hospital staff for their dedication and care. A Kensington Palace spokesman confirmed that Kate’s visit aimed to acknowledge the hospital’s exceptional team and highlight the world-class treatment provided by the Royal Marsden.
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The Princess of Wales first announced her cancer diagnosis in a video message in March 2024, revealing that sharing the news with her three children took time. By September of the same year, she confirmed completing chemotherapy after a challenging nine-month period. While the specific type of cancer remains undisclosed, Kate has described her journey as complex, scary, and unpredictable, acknowledging the long road to full recovery.
In conversations with patients and their families, Kate praised their resilience and positivity while acknowledging the varied impacts of cancer treatments on families. Following the visit, Kensington Palace announced that Kate and Prince William became joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a decision welcomed by Dame Cally Palmer, the Trust’s Chief Executive, who emphasized the inspiring nature of royal patronage and its ability to showcase the exceptional work done by the hospital staff. The Princess underwent planned abdominal surgery in January 2024, two months before her cancer diagnosis was publicly announced in March.
