Kate Middleton discusses the ‘side effects’ of cancer during a hospital visit

For his first public engagement for 2025. Princess Kate Middleton returned to the hospital where she was being treated for cancer.

The Princess of Wales, 43, visited staff and patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Tuesday, January 14, during which she opened up about her own road to recovery. “You think the treatment is over, get on with it … the daily tasks, but it’s still like a real challenge,” she told staff members, according to Daily Mail. “And speaking … the words completely disappear … understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around the treatment, but there are actually longer-term side effects.”

According to the outlet, Kate highlighted the power of one patient’s ‘resilience’, saying: ‘It’s about keeping coming back … being as positive as you are. The treatments are really so different and so varied that they affect families differently.

Kate braved the winter weather in a brown plaid coat for her latest outing, which she wore over a simple and elegant maroon long-sleeved dress. She completed the look with a matching maroon bag.

Catherine, Princess of Wales talks to Catherine Field during a visit to Marsden Royal Hospital on January 14, 2025. in London, England.

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She was felicitated by the CEO of Dame Hospital Callie Palmerand Chairman, Sir Douglas Flint. “I was just saying, coming through the front entrance here, after doing so many quiet, private visits, it’s actually quite nice,” she said upon arrival, to hello magazine.

While speaking to more patients, one person reportedly told Kate that she’s “managed the kids incredibly well” while dealing with her health issues, to which she replied: “Oh, thanks … just trying to do the best .” (Kate shares children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, with her husband, Prince William.)

per helloKate also stated that cancer treatment “really is so different and varied that it affects families differently.”

A spokesman for Kensington Palace said multiple outputs on Tuesday that Kate “wants to make the trip to show her gratitude to the amazing team, but also to highlight the world-leading care and treatment (that) Marsden provides.”

Kate’s visit to the hospital comes amid news that she and William, 42, have become joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. However, William did not join his wife during her visit on Tuesday.

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“We were honored to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning and are delighted that Her Royal Highness now joins His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in becoming joint patrons of our specialist center for cancer,” Palmer, 67, said in a statement Tuesday, per hello magazine.

She added: “We are incredibly lucky to receive the Royal Patronage – it is inspiring for staff and patients and allows us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff do every day for patients and their families.”

In one month King Charles III announced his cancer diagnosisand after months of speculation, Kate revealed in March 2024 that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for unspecified form of cancer. “We hope you understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she said in video statement at that time. “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to returning when I can. But for now I have to focus on a full recovery.”

In September 2024 Kate shared that she had completed his chemotherapy but it was still a “long” road to recovery. “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion was truly humbling,” she said in video with new footage of her and William with their children. “To all those who continue their own journey with cancer – I stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand.” Out of darkness can come light, so let that light shine bright.”

Kate will reportedly follow up her hospital visit to attended the 2025 BAFTA Awards on February 16. She missed last year’s awards ceremony due to ill health, while William walked the red carpet at the event alone.