Kate Middleton, The Princess of Wales, undertook her first solo engagement since finishing her cancer treatment. In January 2024, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine went through a planned abdominal surgery. In April, Kate shared a heartfelt video in which she told us that she is going through preventive chemotherapy. In September the treatment was completed and Kate has been in remission.
Reflecting on her journey, the Princess shared an intimate moment with staff, saying, “I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice.”
The Princess of Wales returned to public life in spectacular style on Tuesday wearing head-to-toe burgundy – one of the season’s most on trend hues, as seen on the catwalks of Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Chloé. As Catherine’s first solo engagement of the year, and coming after such a long absence from the public stage, her outfit choice was no doubt well thought through. On the one hand, it shows her flying the flag for local design talent. And by choosing a relatively low-key yet smart look, she’s ensuring that she is dressed the part, without looking too showy or over-the-top. Burgundy, meanwhile, is universally flattering, while sticking to one colour on her top and bottom also gives the appearance of making her taller and slimmer – The Telegraph
This week, Princess Kate made her first public appearance since 2024 Christmas service and visited The Royal Marsden, a Cancer hospital where Kate received her cancer treatment last year in Chelsea. After the visit, it was announced that both the Prince and Princess of Wales have become the joint patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Prince William officially opened the Oak Cancer Centre, a state-of-the-art research and treatment facility, funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, in 2023. William has been the President of The Royal Marsden since 2007, a role that was once held by his mother, Lady Diana. Opened in 1851 as the first dedicated centre for cancer patients, the hospital treats 59,000 patients a year.
Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said, “We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning, and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre. 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.”
Dressed in winter tones for her first solo engagement since 2024 Wimbledon, Kate met with the patients currently undergoing treatment in the Diane McCarthy Medical Day Unit as well as those who have participated in clinical trials and staff providing vital care. Kate shared her own journey and experience with other patients and families.
The Princess of Wales thanked the hospital staff for the care and support they provided her and her family during the tough period. The Princess also heard about some of the additional supportive therapies offered to complement patients’ medical treatment, such as the Emerging from the Haze Programme which has developed resources to better support patients experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Her Royal Highness spoke to patients about the positive impact supportive therapies can have both on their physical and mental health.
What Princess Kate Middleton wore to visit The Royal Marsden
- Blazé Milano Anyway Checked Wool Coat – Repeat
- Kiltane Women’s Cashmere Polo Neck Jumper – Repeat
- Edeline Lee Asymmetrically Pleated Midi Skirt – Repeat
- Cartier Trinity Earrings – New (Thanks to Christine Ross for the id)
- 4 Rings – Welsh Wedding Band, Annoushka eternity Band, 2 Unidentified rings
- Asprey London Morgan 18 Top Handle Cranberry Bag – New (Thanks to Kate Middleton Styled for the id)
- Russell & Bromley Brown Pinpoint Pumps – Repeat