Princess Kate Takes on Her Most Personal Engagement Yet After Becoming Patron of Cancer Hospital
The royal and co-patron Prince William follow in Princess Diana's footsteps with the role.

Kate Middleton surprised fans with her first appearance of 2025 on Tues. Jan 14, making an emotional return to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she received cancer treatment last year. The visit coincides with a big announcement, with Princess Kate and husband Prince William being named as co-patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust on Tuesday.
The Princess of Wales spoke with patients undergoing cancer treatment at the hospital, and when she arrived, per the Independent, the royal hinted that she'd been arriving at a back entrance in the past. “I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it’s quite nice," she said.
Kate, wearing a brown tartan coat by Blazé Milano along with a burgundy turtleneck and matching skirt, was told she "managed the children amazingly well" by one patient. "Oh thanks...it's just trying to do the best," she replied, per Hello!
The Prince and Princess of Wales are following in Princess Diana's footsteps with their new roles as co-patrons. While Prince William held the role of president of The Royal Marsden since 2007, his mother previously served in the role.
The princess spoke with patient Katherine Field during her visit.
She also met with a therapy dog at the hospital.
The royal shared smiles with patient Peter Burton.
According to Hello! Princess Kate shared one thing that she sought out during her own treatments. "I really felt like I needed to get the sun," the royal shared. "You need loads of water and loads of sunlight."
The Princess of Wales announced she'd been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in March 2024, sharing it was discovered after a planned abdominal surgery. She posted an intensely personal video in September, declaring she'd completed her treatments, which we now know took place at Royal Marsden.
One woman burst into tears after sharing with the princess that her daughter was in the ICU. “I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could to help," Kate told her, per Hello!. "I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that’s going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Before leaving, Kate asked her, “Are you ok? Yes?" adding, "There is light at the end of that tunnel, very nice to meet you and best of luck."
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
I Need All of My Lip Products to Come With a Donut Applicator From Now On
I put four viral tinted serums to the test.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Princess Margaret's "Ill-Mannered" Comments to Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mother Often Had "Courtiers Shaking Their Heads"
The late royal was known for her one-liners.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Prince Archie Has Been Learning About His Grandma Princess Diana's Charity Work
Prince Harry shared that his 5-year-old son has become curious about one particular topic.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are Skipping the 2025 BAFTAs Because of Their Kids
The royals are raising some eyebrows with the last-minute no-show announcement.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Louis Is "Showing Great Promise" With Hobby That Follows in Mom Kate's Footsteps
Like mother, like son.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Anne Follows in Kate Middleton's Footsteps With Emotional Hospital Visit
"Sadly, I don't have huge memories of being in here," the Princess Royal admitted.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Made a Heartbreaking Admission About His Childhood to Princess Kate After She Explained a Very Normal Activity
A new royal book reveals a "poignant" interaction between the couple.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are Careful for Charlotte and Louis Not to Feel Like "Spares"
Royal expert Phil Dampier says the royals see Prince George as "first among equals."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate and Prince William are "Keen Not to Make Life Difficult" for Other Parents at George, Charlotte and Louis's School
The royals try to keep it low-key when visiting Lambrook School.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Anna Wintour Set the Record Straight on a Possible Kate Middleton 'Vogue' Cover During Buckingham Palace Visit
That's all.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Princess Kate Jumped Into Her Role as School Chaperone Like Any Other Mom
"We’ll never have another school trip like that, will we?"
By Kristin Contino Published