Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, visits hospital where she had cancer treatment

Catherine, Princess of Wales, left, and Prince William, centre, stand with Sheikha Jawaher, wife of the Emir of Qatar, during a Ceremonial Welcome at Horse Guards Parade in London, Tuesday Dec. 3, 2024. (Henry Nicholls via AP, Pool)

Kate, Princess of Wales, visited a London hospital on Tuesday where she underwent cancer treatment last year to personally thank medics there for their care and support, her office said.

Kate, 43, underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy after major abdominal surgery a year ago revealed the presence of cancer.

For the treatment, which concluded in September, Kate attended the Royal Marsden Hospital in central London and on Tuesday she paid an official visit there to mark her becoming joint patron of its specialist cancer unit along with her husband Prince William.

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On her visit she met patients and staff and spoke of her own treatment. A royal source said Kate had wanted to show her gratitude to the hospital staff and highlight its work.

“We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage – it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families,” said Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Kate’s illness meant she was absent from royal duties for most of last year, although she gave a number of health updates in highly personal video messages.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Sarah Young)