Kate reflects on 'daunting' chemotherapy experience as she joins William for a special hospital visit

The Prince and Princess of Wales have made their first public appearance of 2026 with a special visit to a hospital in London.

Catherine, 43, surprised royal watchers by joining her husband, also 43, to visit staff and patients at Charing Cross Hospital on Thursday.

The future queen, who turned heads in a stylish burgundy trouser suit, spoke about how taxing chemotherapy can be in a rare comment on her own private cancer battle.

Watch the videos above.

Speaking to patients, volunteers and staff, Catherine said she understood how difficult it can be sitting and receiving treatment after a volunteer said "people sit there for hours".

"I know," she reportedly replied, per UK outlets.

"We know," she added, touching her husband's arm.

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She also said chemotherapy is "quite a daunting experience", adding that "kindness and compassion" are helpful during the treatment period.

Despite the sensitive subject, Catherine and William looked in high spirits during the appearance, laughing and smiling as they interacted with guests and patients.

Catherine revealed her shock diagnosis in a video in March 2024, but did not disclose exactly what cancer she had. It had been discovered during another operation earlier that year.

At the time, the royal said she was undergoing "preventative chemotherapy".

"Tests after the operation found cancer had been present," she said at the time.

"My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

"This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."

In January 2025, Catherine confirmed she was in remission from cancer.

Some of her more recent public appearances have included her annual Together at Christmas carol concert in December, and she was spotted heading to church at Sandringham on Christmas Day with the royal family.

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