The Princess of Wales has praised staff at the specialist hospital where she was earlier treated for cancer during a surprise visit on Friday.
Kate met with patients and senior members of staff at the Royal Marsden in London, a world-renowned cancer treatment and research centre.
The princess underwent treatment at the hospital for an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024, before announcing in January 2025 that she was in remission.
Kate also heard how the funds raised through her Three Peaks Challenge earlier this year are being used to help patients.
She told staff that the fundraiser was “my small way” of thanking them for the “incredible” care that she received.
Within the space of 24 hours in June, Kate summited the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
She tackled the challenge solo, with support from Mountain Rescue teams along the route.
Writing on social media afterwards, the future queen said that she completed the challenge not just as a physical test, but to “give something back”.
She said she also wanted to increase awareness regarding the broader effects of serious health conditions.
During her hospital visit on Friday, Kate learned first-hand how the proceeds from her fundraiser, as well as her continued backing for the charity, will support the creation of a new specialist Centre for Holistic Wellbeing and Recovery.
The funding will also aid research examining how such complementary practices, combined with clinical treatment, can benefit every cancer patient across the country.
Speaking to senior executives and clinicians, the princess said about her fundraising: “This was my small way of being able to give back and say thank you to you.
“I had incredible care here and support from a huge team and I’m really, really grateful on a personal level.
“But also the holistic care; the treatments and therapeutic support on the outside is so important, it makes a big difference.
“The impact of nature, the impact of good nutrition, good ongoing support around you when it’s really difficult to manage the trials and tribulations of medical treatments … it makes a big difference.
“It made a big difference to me and it made a huge difference to lots of patients who I’ve spoken to – thank you and well done. I think it will be transformative.”
During the visit, Kate heard about progress for the Centre for Holistic Wellbeing and Recovery and saw the site where it will be built.
She also met patients currently undergoing treatment, and heard how holistic care, integrating physical, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing, can enhance recovery and healing.
She described one father living with a brain tumour as an “inspiration” after they bonded about the support they received from their children.
Kate became joint patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside her husband William, in 2025.
After her Three Peaks challenge, Kate reminisced on social media about her own experience of cancer, saying that she personally understood that the illness can affect every aspect of someone’s life.
Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, earlier said: “The princess’s commitment to The Royal Marsden stems from a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges, and we are immensely grateful for this generous support that will make a difference to the lives of so many cancer patients and their families.”
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