Catherine, the Princess of Wales, made an unexpected visit to Charing Cross Hospital in London on January 8, 2026, accompanied by her husband, Prince William. This marked her first public appearance of the year, where she candidly discussed her personal experience with cancer and the significance of holistic approaches to recovery.
During her visit, she engaged with patients, hospital staff, and volunteers, sharing insights from her own health journey. In March 2024, she revealed her cancer diagnosis, and by January 2025, she announced she was in remission after completing chemotherapy. “Those small things do really matter,” Kate told the patients as she emphasized the importance of emotional support in the healing process.
Holistic Approaches to Recovery
Catherine’s remarks reflected her belief in the impact of creative and holistic methods during recovery. She noted, “Whether it’s a casual conversation, or it’s the art therapy, or walking, going to a café with a patient, it makes such a big difference in that recovery healing journey and also confidence going back into home life.” Her visit was initially intended to be a solo appearance by Prince William, who expressed his gratitude for the hospital staff, stating, “Coming here today and reminding ourselves just how important all the teams are… it’s so heartwarming.”
On January 9, 2026, the day after her hospital visit, Kate celebrated her 44th birthday. She took to Instagram to reflect on her experiences and the lessons learned from nature. In her video, she commented on the importance of being grateful and connected to the natural world: “For the rivers within us flow with ease, fears washed away, cleanse and purify. Come to peace with our tears and discover what it means to be alive.”
Recent Public Engagements
Since announcing her remission, the Princess of Wales has participated in various public events, showcasing her resilience and commitment to community engagement. In November 2025, she laid a wreath on Remembrance Day and attended the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Throughout the summer, she garnered attention at Wimbledon and hosted French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to the United Kingdom.
Additionally, she welcomed former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during their visit in September 2025. In November, Kate delivered a speech at the Future Workforce Summit, where she emphasized the importance of creating safe environments for children, stating, “We believe that we must do all we can to create the conditions for love to flourish. That is how we invest in our future.”
Her family life also remains a priority, as she was joined by her children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—at her annual Christmas concert held at Westminster Abbey. The royal family also made their traditional appearance on Christmas Day at Sandringham, continuing to engage with the public while maintaining their royal duties.
