Kate Middleton Steps Out for Rare Shopping Trip at London Eyewear Boutique After Announcing Cancer Remission

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middleton at Sandringham on Dec. 25, 2024.Photo:Samir Hussein/WireImage

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Kate Middletonran a relatable errand after announcing that she isin remissionfrom cancer.

A close royal insider tells PEOPLE in this week’sexclusive cover storythat Princess Kate is focusing on the future in her new chapter in remission.

“She has drawn a line under the last year, and she can move forward,” the insider says. “The word ‘remission’ is such a positive one to use, and it just feels a veil has been lifted on their life of the last year, and that they can move forward with positivity and hope.”

Princess Kate has had Finlay sunglasses in her royal rotation for years, and is known to reach for their cat-eyeHenrietta sunglassesin tortoiseshell. She’s not the only one in her family who has worn Finlay shades —Prince WilliamandMeghan Marklehave as well.

It was a rare public shopping trip for the royal, who was out of the spotlight for most of 2024 after announcing in March that she was undergoingtreatment for cancer. Princess Kate shared in September that shecompleted chemotherapy, and shared on Jan. 14 that she isin remission.

Kate Middleton at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, 2025.Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

The Princess of Wales announced the news about her health following hersurprise stopat The Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14. Her unannounced outing came with the confirmation that she received treatment at the Royal Marsden during her cancer journey, and that she and Prince William had become joint patrons of the renowned medical center.

“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 then about the impetus for Kate’s visit.

The Princess of Wales met staff working across the hospital during her tour, as well as patients currently undergoing treatment. Katherine Field was a patient who met Princess Kate, and tells PEOPLE that chatting with the royal was like “talking to a friend.”

Kate Middleton and Katherine Field at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, 2025.Chris Jackson/Getty

“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,” Field tells PEOPLE about her exchange with Kate.

The Princess of Wales relayed that she is in remission in a personal statement shared tosocial mediaafter visiting the medical center, and thanked the hospital team for the care she received.

“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,” the Princess of Wales wrote on X. “We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”

Peter Burton and Kate Middleton at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, 2025.Chris Jackson/Getty

Princess Kate expressed a wish to use her new patronage to shine a light on advancements in cancer treatment, and the wellbeing of patients and families.

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

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“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she continued. “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.”

source: people.com