Princess Kate’s Royal Marsden Visit Inspires Hope for Cancer Patients

Princess Kate’s recent visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital, where she underwent cancer treatment last year, resonated deeply with patients. Angela Terry, a fellow cancer patient, shared her experience meeting the Princess of Wales and emphasized the powerful message of hope Kate conveyed without disclosing her specific diagnosis.

Kate’s visit on January 14th was filled with emotion as she thanked the medical staff who cared for her and connected with patients facing similar challenges. Terry recounted how Kate’s vibrant health and positive demeanor served as a beacon of hope for those battling cancer. “She was there to say thank you to the people who had looked after her, talk to patients who were in a similar situation,” Terry stated. “It was a great message of hope because she looked so well.” Terry believes that knowing the specific type of cancer Kate faced is unnecessary, as her journey through surgery and chemotherapy, and her remarkable recovery, speaks volumes. “We don’t need to know what cancer she had. We just know she’s been through surgery, she’s been through chemo — and one year later, my goodness, look, she is here.”

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Terry, 71, who was diagnosed with EGFR-positive lung cancer in 2019, is the non-executive chair of EGFR Positive UK, a charity supporting individuals with mutation-driven lung cancer. She happened to be at the Royal Marsden for treatment when Kate made her surprise visit. A Kensington Palace spokesman confirmed that Kate’s visit was intended to express gratitude to the hospital staff and highlight the exceptional care provided by the Royal Marsden. It was also revealed that Kate had received treatment at the hospital and, along with Prince William, had become a patron.

Princess Kate had largely remained out of the public eye throughout 2024 to focus on her health after announcing her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment in March of that year. The cancer was discovered during abdominal surgery in January, a procedure described by the palace as “planned.” By September, Kate joyfully announced the completion of her chemotherapy. Her January visit to the Royal Marsden confirmed her remission.

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Terry commended Kate’s thoughtful approach in sharing her remission news after meeting with patients, recognizing that some individuals might never reach that milestone. “It might have been difficult if she had come in talking about her experience about being in remission first because some people who are really very ill might never get to remission and that would have felt tricky. But she chose to do that after she had left which speaks volumes,” Terry observed. She further reflected on the transformative nature of cancer, stating, “When I read later in the day that Kate is in remission, that doesn’t mean she’s through it. This disease changes you, but it also gives you an opportunity to think: ‘Okay, who am I now? Who do I want to be?’ It’s an opportunity to be true to yourself and choose to let certain things go, friendships or other things that no longer make sense.”

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Terry described being impressed by Kate’s genuine warmth and compassion. “She has such poise and elegance, extremely genuine and sincere. She is very personable. I watched her talking to other patients and she’s amazing,” Terry shared. “She has this gentle eye contact as she talks, she reaches out and maybe touches their shoulder or holds their hand and her smile is always there. The level of connection she makes with each and every person she meets is phenomenal.” Terry’s chance encounter with the princess left a lasting impact. “I’m still buzzing, it was so fortuitous because I was literally the next one in for bloods. I just caught her eye as she walked past and said to her ‘You look wonderful,’ because she did, she looked fabulous given everything she has been through and she just smiled and said ‘So do you,’ ” Terry recounted.

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Terry’s own cancer journey began six years ago after a skiing accident led to the discovery of a malignant tumor in her lung. While her stage IV EGFR positive lung cancer is incurable, it is treatable with medication that currently keeps the disease under control. She acknowledges that the cancer may eventually mutate and require further treatment but remains positive about her current health.