The Princess of Wales shares rare insights into her treatment while connecting with patients.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, marked her first public engagement of 2025 with a heartfelt visit to cancer patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital. The occasion also saw her announcing her role as joint patron of the hospital alongside Prince William.
During the visit, Kate opened up about her own health journey following her nine-month preventative chemotherapy treatment last year. While speaking with Katherine Field, an art historian and cancer patient, the Princess shared a rare detail from her time at the hospital, revealing she did not have to use a cold cap—a device designed to minimise hair loss during chemotherapy.
Katherine, who wears the device, told People Magazine, “I hate it, but I think it is working... For her to lose her hair, which is so iconic, would have been awful. Everyone loves her hair!”
The interaction between Kate and Katherine highlighted the Princess’s empathy and understanding. “It was just like talking to a friend about a really horrible time in life and how you find ways of getting through it. ‘Finding the new normal’ is what she said, which is absolutely true,” Katherine added.
The Princess’s visit was met with admiration from patients and fans alike, as she began the year embracing her royal duties with warmth and grace, inspiring those around her with her resilience and compassion.
