The Princess of Wales today gave her most personal insight yet into the emotional impact of her cancer battle, telling hospital patients: “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment... but actually the phase afterwards is really difficult.”
During a visit to the cancer wellbeing centre at Colchester Hospital, Kate spoke movingly about the pressures of recovery, saying: “There is a whole phase when you finish your treatment, everybody expects you to be better – go! But that's not the case at all.”
She added: “You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to. And actually someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment I think is really valuable.”
Describing her experience as “life changing” and a “rollercoaster”, she stressed the importance of a holistic approach to healing. “You have to find your new normal and that takes time,” she said. “It’s not one smooth plane... you go through hard times.”
The visit marked a significant step in the Princess’s gradual return to public life while in remission. She joined patients and volunteers to plant 'Catherine’s Rose' in the hospital’s RHS Wellbeing Garden and met with therapist Amanda Green, revealing: “I’ve had acupuncture as part of my own health journey,” although she had not yet tried reflexology.
Speaking with patients, including one who had lost his husband and others facing returning cancer, the Princess said: “That first time diagnosis is a very scary journey.”
She added: “To feel a sense of hope and positivity [from speaking to people who have already been through it] is such a positive thing in what is otherwise a very scary and daunting experience.”
The centre, which offers therapy, counselling, and holistic support, has become a vital first port of call for many newly diagnosed patients. “It’s life changing for anyone,” Kate said. “Through first diagnosis or post treatment and things like that, it is life-changing experience both for the patient but also for the families as well.”
“And actually it sometimes goes unrecognised, you don’t necessarily, particularly when it’s the first time [of diagnosis], appreciate how much impact it is going to have.”
“To have a place like this to have the support network, through creativity and singing or gardening whatever it might be is so valuable and it’s great this community has it. It would be great if lots of communities had this kind of support.”
Later, despite heavy rain, she helped TV garden designer Adam Frost plant roses named in her honour. “I’m just washing my hands – I’ll be back,” she quipped, before joining well-wishers for selfies and conversation.
Kensington Palace said the visit was to “celebrate the incredible healing power of nature and raise awareness of the important role that spending time in nature plays in bringing us joy and supporting our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.”
Fifty ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants were donated to the hospital, with proceeds supporting the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. A total of 500 will be distributed to wellbeing gardens across the UK.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla also focused on cancer care today, praising the “invaluable” work of Maggie’s Centres during a visit to its Fife branch at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
Greeting founder Dame Laura Lee with a hug, the Queen said: “There is something so special about them.”
Camilla, President of Maggie’s since 2008, met with patients, families and supporters, including £161 million EuroMillions winner Christine Harkness, who helped launch the centre in 2006.
“It couldn’t operate without people like you,” she told volunteers, sipping tea and listening to visitors’ stories.
Dame Laura said afterwards: “It is always a joy to welcome Her Majesty to one of our centres... she was incredibly generous with her time and listened closely.”
Gregor Forbes, 37, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma, added: “She was warm, friendly and interested to hear what I had to say... It’s a day I will never forget.”
The Queen has now visited 18 of Maggie’s 24 centres, with three more due to open in 2025.
