Kate Middleton Offers Personal Advice to Cancer Patient amid Her Remission Announcement

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middletonshared the personal advice that helped guide her healing during her cancer journey while speaking with a patient at the London hospital where sheunderwent treatment.

On Jan. 14, the Princess of Wales made asurprise visito the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she had previously received treatment. Marking her first solo royal engagement of the year, the visit coincided with Kate’s announcement that she is in remission. She is also stepping into a new role alongsidePrince Williamas a patron of the esteemed cancer center.

Princess Kate, 43, used the visit to meet people and staff, telling patient Kerr Melia it was important to keep “doing the things that give you joy,” theDaily Mailreported.

“It makes you appreciate all the small things in life that you take for granted,” Princess Kate said of illness, the outlet said.

Melia, 62, has gastroesophageal cancer, and spoke to the royal about being diagnosed five years ago.

“You’re a strong man,” Princess Kate told Melia, theDaily Mailsaid. “I’ve had a tiny taste of what you’ve been through, and you’ve had to keep coming back.”

Kate Middleton at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, 2025.Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

The Princess of Wales' encouraging word for Melia echoed a sentiment she expressed in the March 2024 video she issued to announce that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Kate Middleton and Kerr Melia at The Royal Marsden Hospital on Jan. 14, 2025.Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

Kate said then that she and William took time “to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok,” she said in reference to their kids,Prince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6.

The royal was outside of the limelight for almost the entirety of last year to focus on her health, and shared in September — with “relief” — that she completedchemotherapy treatment.

Princess Kate expressed then that she was putting her health first and would take life one day at a time.

“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” she said in thatvideo message, which featured footage of her with William and their kids. “I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”

She later joined loved ones at a few events in the fall, hosted her fourth annualTogether at Christmascarol service on Dec. 6 and celebrated Christmas at Sandringham with her family.

Kate Middleton, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince William and Prince George on Dec. 25, 2024 at Sandringham.OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty

OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty

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Hours after her Jan. 14 visit to the Royal Marsden, Princess Kate confirmed that she is in “remission” from cancer and thanked the center for her care.

“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.  My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything,” Kate wrote in partonline.

“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” she said elsewhere in the message. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C”

Kate Middleton at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, 2025.CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said that Princess Kate felt compelled to visit Royal Marsden as a way of saying thank you.

“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,” the palace spokesman said.

source: people.com