KATE has opened up about a “difficult” post-treatment phase as she visits hospital patients and staff.
The Royal marked her return to work for the first time since pulling out of Royal Ascot last month.
6
6
6
The Princess visited RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital, in Essex, today.
She met with NHS workers and planted some of her ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants in the recovery garden.
Kate spoke about life after cancer treatment, although did not specify whether she was talking about her own experience.
“You know I think there’s a lot of brave faced stoicism through treatment, but then treatment’s done,” she told staff.
“I think the phase afterwards is really difficult, I mean, you know, you’re not necessarily in a clinical team any longer, but you’re not able to function normally at home as you once used to.
“And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that phase that comes after treatment, I think it’s really valuable to have a space like this here for patients.”
Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 after abdominal surgery at The London Clinic in January that year.
She finished chemotherapy in September and announced she was in remission in January of this year.
The royal’s visit today coincided with donations of 50 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants named in honour of Kate.
Funds from sales will go to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
And, the roses will be donated to gardens across the country including cancer hospitals.
This comes after the royal pulled out of a Royal Ascot appearance last month.
Kate was understood to be “disappointed” not to go but “had to find the right balance” on returning to full time duty.
The mother-of-three had sadly dropped out to continue her recovery.
6
6
6
Prince William then arrived at day two of the event in a carriage looking deep in thought.
Despite the absence of his wife, William put on a brave face and was seen smiling and chatting with other royals as the day went on.
The palace insisted there has always been flexibility around Kate’s engagements more than a year after her cancer announcement.
She had already attended Trooping the Colour and Order of the Garter in days prior to Royal Ascot plus a visit to V&A East Storehouse
Kate missed last year’s event as she stepped back from her royal duties before announcing her cancer diagnosis.
Despite her absence at Ascot, the Princess did subsequently write a personal message to mark the end of Children’s Hospice Week.
The mum-of-three is Royal Patron of East Anglia Children’s Hospices (EACH), and in January this year became the Royal Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales.
In a letter shared in social media she wrote: “No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life.
“Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heart-broken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated.
“Being able to access the support of one of the UK’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone.
“As Patron of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, I have the immense privilege of seeing for myself the extraordinary work of our children’s hospices.
“Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond.
“This Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life-changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.”
Kate’s appearance today comes as King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to carry out a number of engagements as Royal Week continues in Scotland.
The royals will kick off engagements today in Kirkcaldy, Fife, including marking the centenary of the town’s war memorial, and unveiling a commemoration cairn.
Queen Camilla will then travel to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, where she will host a reception for the Queen’s Nursing Institute of Scotland.
The charity provides professional development opportunities for Scotland’s community nurses and midwives.
It was founded in 1899 with a donation from Queen Victoria to organise the training of district nurses.
It also supports them in working collaboratively with those they care for to tackle health inequalities.
The King traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse each year in what is known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.
Yesterday, the King started his official visit with the traditional Ceremony of the Keys in the palace gardens.
He then presided over an investiture ceremony for honours recipients.
Later in the day the King and Queen hosted guests at a garden party at the palace, alongside the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
