The Princess of Wales has discussed with cancer patients how ‘our children give us the inspiration to keep pushing forwards’ as she made a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London this morning.
Catherine, 44, made the unannounced trip to meet staff and patients benefitting from holistic care, as well as others currently undergoing cancer treatment, just as she did when she was a patient at the world famous hospital in Fulham in 2024.
She spoke to Sam Suriakumar, 41, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour six years ago about the effect a cancer diagnosis has on their children and families.
The patient has two daughters, aged five and three. Catherine, mother to Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte, told him: ‘It’s amazing how resilient you can be.’
He said afterwards: ‘She is such a humble human being. I felt we were able to connect because of our cancer journeys and because of our kids.
‘We were speaking about how our kids having to go through that as well and how they gave us the inspiration to keep pushing forwards.’
Catherine was at the hospital to hear how funds raised by her Three Peaks Challenge are being used to build a new specialist centre for Holistic Wellbeing and Recovery as part of a £200million development of the site.
The future queen secretly undertook the gruelling physical charity climb back in June, with her proud family meeting her at the last stop at the base of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. She had also scaled Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike.
The Princess of Wales made a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London this morning to hear how funds raised by her Three Peaks Challenge are being used
Catherine, 44, made the unannounced trip to meet staff and patients benefitting from holistic care, as well as others currently undergoing cancer treatment
She was seeing chatting with employees and staff during her outing in southwest London earlier today
The future queen, who was herself treated at the world-famous hospital following her own cancer diagnosis in 2024, secretly undertook the gruelling physical charity climb back in June
The Princess, wearing a favourite elegant green Suzannah dress and new black sling back shoes, was thanked by Royal Marsden chairman Sir Douglas Flint for her fundraising efforts and spoke modestly but movingly, of how it was her way of ‘giving back’ for all the ‘incredible’ care she has received on her own cancer journey.
She smiled and said: ‘This was my small way of being able to give back and say thank you to you. I had incredible care here and support from a huge team and I’m really really grateful on a personal level.
‘But also the holistic care, the treatments and therapeutic support alongside the clinical pathway is so important. It makes a big difference.
‘The impact of nature, the impact of good nutrition, good ongoing support around you when it’s really difficult to manage the trials and tribulations of medical treatments… it makes a big difference.
‘It made a big difference to me and it made a huge difference to lots of patients who I’ve spoken to. Thank you and well done. I think it will be transformative not only for patients but for families too.’
She also spoke to patient Sam, who added: ‘We had such a lovely chat. I was very, very nervous but she makes you feel very welcome. Her care and interest in hearing my story was huge for me.
‘I forgot she was a princess and was speaking to her like any other cancer patient that has been on this ward. You all become friends, we are all part of the same community, and we were speaking like that not with her as the Princess of Wales.
‘That’s what it is like at the Royal Marsden, we are treated like human beings, not a number.’
The Princess of Wales wore an elegant green dress from Suzannah for the emotional occasion
The mother-of-three drew quite a crowd as she walked down the corridors of the NHS hospital to talk to patients
Catherine appeared delighted to meet with patients and hear their stories during her visit to the hospital
The Princess of Wales was all smiles as she spoke with staff at the London hospital
Funds raised through the Princess’s challenge will help enable the development of a new specialist Centre for Holistic Wellbeing and Recovery.
The funding will also support research into how these complementary approaches, alongside clinical care, can make a difference to every person with cancer across the UK.
During the visit, Her Royal Highness heard about progress for The Centre for Holistic Wellbeing and Recovery and saw the site where it will be built.
Catherine also met patients currently undergoing treatment, and heard how holistic care, integrating physical, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing, can enhance recovery and healing.
Patient Sam explained that the princess announced her own cancer diagnosis when he was going through chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
‘I have two young daughters and they watched that and they just found it so inspiring. I was going through it and they didn’t really understand what I was going through. And then they saw this.
‘For them it was a game changer in that they were inspired to keep fighting for me. She was a human being, a lady, a mother, a wife just being very honest about what she was going through.
‘The word is hope. That is what all of us in this cancer community find ourselves falling back to. We both has similar things happen when we were told what we were going through, the first things that came to our minds was our kids and our family.
‘We were just saying it was like a flush. Everything else in the universe becomes so obvious. It’s not about waiting until tomorrow to working on those priorities, it’s about making every moment count now.
The Princess was thanked by Royal Marsden chairman Sir Douglas Flint for her fundraising efforts
In a personally penned message, Catherine said: ‘Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life’
The Princess of Wales during her surprise appearance to the NHS hospital earlier today
‘It becomes not about the fun stuff in life, the things that pretty it up. For me it was about my daughters, my wife, my family and the time that I get to spend having those experiences with them.
‘And she seemed to find the same as well. It’s funny because I think a lot of cancer patients you talk to, that becomes so important. It becomes like a cheat code to life.’
He said the princess didn’t go into detail about the moment she told her own family, but added: ‘It was such a key priority for her as a human, as an individual. ‘
Sam said his condition was currently stable and he is trying to live life as positively as possible.
The princess was earlier greeted at the door to the hospital by Sir Douglas Flint, chairman, Sofia Colas, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Nurse Mairead Griffin before being taken into a briefing room to be shown plans for the holistic centre and the larger development of the site.
Sir Douglas said: ‘Can I just say thank you for the incredible support you have given the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.’
He described her Three Peaks Challenge as an ‘incredible achievement’, adding: ‘Using that achievement to showcase the benefits of holistic care has been inspiring. It’s had a huge, huge effect.’
She listened intently to how holistic care and access to nature, with a south-facing terrace for patients, was being put at the heart and soul of the design. ‘Have you heard from parents yourself about what works for them?’ she asked.
Funds raised through the Princess’s challenge will help enable the development of a new specialist Centre for Holistic Wellbeing and Recovery
The funding will also support research into how these complementary approaches, alongside clinical care, can make a difference to every person with cancer across the UK
The Princess of Wales became Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside The Prince of Wales, in 2025, following her own personal cancer journey
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sanjay Popat, added ‘The words that you said really reflect the importance of holistic care for our patients. You cannot underestimate the importance of the holistic, wraparound care for our patients.
‘This can mean different things to different patients. It makes tough treatments that little bit easier. All of us as practicing oncologists have seen huge benefits to patients of holistic care.
‘Personally I’m just overwhelmed at what you have achieved with the Three Peaks Challenge. To place all our holistic therapies in the one centre will be incredible.’
The princess then went to speak to two patients who have benefited from holistic care as part of their treatment.
The first was Mike Collett, 74, who has been treated for head and neck cancer and has largely lost the use of his vocal cords and credits holistic therapy as a huge part of keeping him on track.
He whispered: ‘It has helped me massively. When you first get cancer you are very aware of the physical impact but the mental impact comes afterwards when you think about what can happen.
‘The support I’ve had here, the counselling, was so important to get me through it. There is only so much you can say to your friends and your family. There are things that you can talk to a therapist about. It was a lifesaver.’
Catherine agreed, saying: ‘Cancer changes so much of you. It’s not just the physical changes your body is going through, it’s not just about providing support during the treatment, it’s raises so many issues. It’s living you life beyond. Everything changes.’
Catherine was at the hospital to hear how funds raised by her Three Peaks Challenge are being used to build a new specialist centre
Today Catherine met patients currently undergoing treatment, and learned how holistic care, integrating physical, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing, can enhance recovery
As a specialist cancer centre, The Royal Marsden champions whole-person cancer treatment and care across the UK and beyond
Mr Colette explained how his cancer had destroyed his vocal cords and damaged his windpipe which he found very difficult to deal with both physically and also mentally as a broadcast journalist.
‘The help with the counselling was identifying the grief I felt at losing my voice,’ he said.
The princess remarked: ‘Something so primitive like breath becomes so precious. The psychological impact that might have, the vulnerability to something so essential. And the ability to be able communicate and share your story.’
‘The way people identify and see you comes through your voice,’ he agreed. ‘I’ve had a huge mental adjustment to this is what I sound like now.’
‘Have the support of professionals who help you navigate that are so essential,’ the princess said.
She also spoke to Grace Maynard, 52, a breast cancer patient who spoke to her of the help she received in coping with her diagnosis which made her ‘go from being 46 to feeling like I was 86’.
The princess agreed, saying: ‘Being able to adjust to the lifestyle changes that cancer causes is essential. And every person is different and every journey is different.’
She then moved into the medical day unit where patients were receiving a combination of anti-cancer treatments, both traditional and experimental.
She told breast cancer patient Hassane Charafeddine that she was ‘doing amazingly’, adding: ‘It’s all about quality of life.’
As she left the hospital, word had clearly got round that she was there and people had gathered to greet her and thank her for all the support she was giving the hospital.
Speaking afterwards, Professor Sanjay Popat, chief medical officer, said: ‘Her visit is incredibly important for all of us. She has really lifted the mood of everybody that she’s touched today.
A picture released by Kensington Palace showed her beaming with delight at the summit of Ben Nevis in the cold weather, with her famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring on display
‘She met a number of patients, a number of staff, and you could see that the whole atmosphere of the hospital was lifted by her presence.
‘She’s an incredible person, and what she has done in raising awareness of cancer is huge, and lifting the stigma of cancer and lifting the stigma of being treated with cancer.
‘Her approach of focussing on holistic therapies is very important. Holistic therapies are wraparound treatments that are given alongside conventional treatments to pick patients up at the toughest of times through their treatment.
‘We’re talking about psychological support, dietetic support, physiotherapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy. Her raising the awareness of these, of this approach is very important because it’s a key aspect of improving outcomes for patients.
‘We have a huge piece of work to do here at the Marsden. We are fundraising through our global cancer appeal for £200million to redesign and rebuild aspects of the Marsden here at the Chelsea site.
‘This will allow us to deliver more, cancer is not getting infrequent, I’m afraid. The population is needing our services more than ever, and we want to rise to that challenge. And we will rise to that challenge through rebuilding our main hospital here.
‘At the heart of the rebuild, is our centre for holistic wellbeing and recovery. And Her Highness has really put a lot of, has shown a lot of interest in this, and she’s supported the centre through all her efforts in supporting the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.’
He agreed that the hospital had become like a ‘family’ to her. He said: ‘When if you’ve been in the situation of having a diagnosis of cancer, it’s tough, and it is life changing, and you become bonded with the people that one interacts with.
‘I think all clinicians and staff involved in the treatment of cancer are all on the same mission. We want to make life a better. We want to make people’s life better. We want to make the world a better place. And, you know, that’s a great family mission.’
The Princess of Wales became Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside The Prince of Wales, in 2025 following her own personal cancer journey, during which she received treatment at The Royal Marsden.
The Three Peaks Challenge sees participants attempt to scale the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours, including Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland and the UK and Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England.
It has a total walking distance of 23 miles (37km), an ascent of 3,064m (10,052ft) of vertical climbing and a driving distance between the peaks of approximately 462 miles.
Catherine completed the challenge solo in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, with her proud family meeting her at the last stop at the base of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales
A picture released by Kensington Palace showed Catherine beaming with delight at the summit of Ben Nevis, dressed in cold weather walking gear with her famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring on display.
In a personally penned message the Princess – who was diagnosed with an unspecified cancer following major abdominal surgery and underwent gruelling chemotherapy, finally revealing she was in remission a year later – said: ‘Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear.
‘What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.
‘Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.
‘I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.
‘The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people.’
The princess said she was keen to raise awareness for the ‘deeper impact of serious illness’ and, particularly, the importance of holistic healthcare, which she says complements clinical pathways and ‘support patients’ ability to maintain their wellbeing, resilience and quality of life during an exceptionally difficult time’.
She is keen to enable more people nationwide to access the kind of personalised support ‘that can help make a meaningful difference during and after medical treatment’.
‘Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live,’ she said.
‘Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported. Please know you are not alone’
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity launched a specially designed fundraising page for people to donate at www.royalmarsden.org/princessofwales
As a specialist cancer centre, The Royal Marsden champions whole-person cancer treatment and care across the UK and beyond.
Yesterday Catherine made another surprise visit to Everton’s stadium in Liverpool to support the launch of her husband’s suicide prevention toolkit.
Prince William was due to host the occasion solo before the Princess decided to also attend, marking their first joint royal event since their summer break and the return of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the UK.
To launch the initiative, the Prince of Wales was joined by representatives from across the sports world and well-known figures including presenter Gabby Logan, Dame Kelly Holmes, Campbell Hatton and Jill Scott at Hill Dickinson Stadium today.
Leaning on further star-power, the future king teamed up with famous faces including England captain Harry Kane, F1’s George Russell, footballer Alan Shearer and cycling stars Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny to create the new On Your Side ‘toolkit.’
The practical guide enables people to spot the warning signs better, as well as build knowledge and confidence to offer more timely support.
Catherine matched William, who wore a navy suit and tie, in a light blue blazer and coordinating trousers from Edeline Lee, teamed with a white blouse to pay homage to Everton’s home colours. She also sported her £185 Laura Lombardi Portrait chain necklace.
Their outing comes after the King ruled out any role for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan within the Royal Family after they moved back to Britain from the US two weeks ago.
In a letter, the monarch told more than 100 ‘senior stakeholders’ across the country that his son and daughter-in-law are not working royals, with a reminder that their HRH titles remain on ice.
A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess said they were ‘surprised’ by the King’s unprecedented letter in a statement issued to the media, claiming the couple had not been told about it in advance.
Palace sources told the Daily Mail that this is ‘incorrect’, insisting Harry and Meghan had received the letter before it was released publicly. However, they were not consulted on its contents.
The Palace made the point the letter was in full accordance with the Sussexes’ stated wish to remain ‘private citizens while in the UK’ and in keeping with the ‘Sandringham Summit’ agreement of 2020, after which the couple set up a new life in the US.
This prompted a jaw-dropping briefing to the Telegraph , which read: ‘The Duke is understood to have taken particular issue with the notion that the couple were to be treated as private citizens. If that were the case, it was claimed, such formal guidance would not be required.
‘The Sussexes prefer the term “public figures,” and would have liked an acknowledgement that, on a personal level, they remained members of the Royal Family, despite no longer receiving public funding.’ Buckingham Palace declined to comment, feeling the letter is sufficient.
William’s initiative is the result of a collaboration between his charitable arm, The Royal Foundation, the British Standards Institution and the charity Chasing the Stigma.
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 50 in the UK – and while the campaign is designed to help both sexes, it is hoped that sport will provide a new way of reaching those men who traditionally find it difficult to talk about their emotions or reach out for help.
As well as the practical guide, which will be distributed to sporting organisations both grassroots and professional the length and breadth of the country, stars including Kane and Russell recorded a special film with the prince showcasing the power of having a conversation about suicide.
