Kate Middleton Pays Surprise Visit to Royal Marsden Hospital

Kate Middleton made a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Friday, returning to the cancer centre where she received treatment in 2024.

The Princess of Wales met patients, families and staff during the private engagement, hearing about their experiences and learning more about the hospital’s plans for a new Centre for Holistic Wellbeing and Recovery.

Photo: Instagram/@princesndprincessofwales

The visit followed Kate’s National Three Peaks Challenge in June, when she climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales within 24 hours. The challenge raised money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and was also intended to help her “explore life beyond diagnosis” following her own experience with cancer.

The funds raised through the challenge will support the development of the new specialist centre, which aims to expand holistic support for cancer patients alongside their clinical treatment. The project will also contribute to research into how complementary care can support patients during treatment and recovery.

Photo: Instagram/@princesndprincessofwales

During Friday’s visit, Kate spoke with patients about their experiences of cancer. She met 74-year-old head and neck cancer patient Mike Collett, who is living with a brain tumour, and described him as an “inspiration” after they spoke about the support they had received from their children.

Kate has previously spoken about the importance of support beyond the medical treatment itself. During the visit, she praised the care she received at the Royal Marsden and described the hospital’s plans for expanding holistic care as “transformative”.

Photo: Instagram/@princesndprincessofwales

Kate revealed in March 2024 that cancer had been discovered following planned abdominal surgery. She underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy and announced in January 2025 that she was in remission. The type of cancer was not disclosed publicly.

Her relationship with the Royal Marsden continued after her treatment. In 2025, Kate and Prince William became joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, giving them a formal role in supporting the organisation’s work.

Photo: Instagram/@princesndprincessofwales

Kate also chose a familiar look for the engagement, wearing an emerald-green Suzannah London dress that she had previously worn. The outfit was accompanied by a pendant necklace, with royal fashion publications noting the significance of her repeat wardrobe choice.

The visit brought together two parts of Kate’s relationship with the Royal Marsden: her experience as a former patient and her current work supporting the hospital’s wider approach to cancer care. Her Three Peaks fundraising effort will now contribute to a project designed to give patients access to additional support during treatment, recovery and beyond.