All the Emotional Photos from Kate Middleton's Surprise Visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital

All the Emotional Photos from Kate Middleton's Visit to the Hospital Where She Received Cancer Treatment Last Year

The Princess of Wales visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Tuesday, Jan. 14, where she underwent chemotherapy last year

Brendan Le

Published on January 14, 2025 10:51AM EST

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Catherine, Princess of Wales (R) talks with Peter Burton (L), during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England — Kate Middleton and Peter Burton. Photo:
Chris Jackson/Getty

Kate Middleton is giving thanks to the hospital workers who treated her after her cancer diagnosis last year.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Princess of Wales made a rare public appearance at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she underwent nine months of chemotherapy treatment in 2024. She expressed her gratitude to the hospital staff for their care and spoke to patients undergoing chemotherapy; following her visit, Kensington Palace announced that Kate and her husband Prince William have become joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

"The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently," Kate said during her visit, according to the BBC. "Coming in the front entrance here [after] having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it's quite nice."

Ahead, see all the heartwarming photos of Princess Kate with hospital staff and patients.

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Stepping Out

Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives for a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England. — Kate Middleton.
Chris Jackson/Getty

Princess Kate arrived for her surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital.

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Warm Welcome

Catherine, Princess of Wales is greeted by Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden on a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England. — Kate Middleton and Dame Cally Palmer.
Chris Jackson/Getty

Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden, greeted Kate at the front of the hospital.

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It's Looking Up

On her way in, the princess paused to look up at the building.

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Right This Way

Catherine, Princess of Wales during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England. — Kate Middleton.
Chris Jackson/Getty

Staff guided the princess through the hospital.

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Close to Her Heart

Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England. — Kate Middleton and Katherine Field.
Chris Jackson/Getty

She sat for a chat with chemotherapy patient Katherine Field...

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Group Conversation

...and exchanged words with one of Field's loved ones.

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Hold Tight

Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Rebecca Mendelhson during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England. — Kate Middleton and Rebecca Mendelhson.
Chris Jackson/Getty

She also met with patient Rebecca Mendelhson...

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Hug It Out

Catherine, Princess of Wales hugs Rebecca Mendelhson during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England. — Kate Middleton and Rebecca Mendelhson.
Chris Jackson/Getty

...with whom she shared a sweet embrace.

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Puppy Love

Catherine, Princess of Wales meets a therapy dog during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London on January 14, 2025. — Kate Middleton and Scout the therapy dog.
Chris Jackson/Getty

While at the hospital, she was introduced to Scout the therapy dog...

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Good Boy!

Catherine, Princess of Wales meets Scout the therapy dog during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England. — Kate Middleton and Scout the therapy dog.
Chris Jackson/Getty

...and leaned down to give him some love.

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Extend a Hand

She shook hands with chemotherapy patient Peter Burton...

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Face Time

14/01/2025, London, UK. The Princess of Wales visits the Royal Marsden Hospital in West London. — Kate Middleton and a patient.
Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

...and pulled up a chair to converse with another.

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Happier Times

Princess Kate was in good spirits during her time at Royal Marsden.

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Circle of Trust

Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with staff during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London on January 14, 2025. — Kate Middleton.
Chris Jackson/Getty

During her visit, she also had thoughtful conversations with hospital staff members.

"I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight," the Daily Mail reported Kate said while looking back at her time in treatment.

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Listen and Learn

Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with members of staff during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, England. — Kate Middleton.
Chris Jackson/Getty

Kate listened intently as they talked...

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Active Participant

...and reflected on her own experience undergoing chemotherapy.

"As a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects," she said, according to reports.

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Fan Fare

Catherine, Princess of Wales smiles during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London on January 14, 2025. — Kate Middleton.
Chris Jackson/Getty

Hospital staff and visitors sent Kate off to greet the crowd outside.

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Grand Goodbye

The Princess of Wales shared a smile as she walked through the building.

"The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides," a Kensington Palace spokesman said.

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