Kate Middleton Opens Up About Her Private Cancer Journey: 'You Need Loads of Water and Sunlight'

The Princess of Wales spoke about what brought her solace while receiving treatment

Kate Middleton offered a rare comment about what helped her amid her treatment for cancer during a surprise stop at the hospital where she received care.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Princess of Wales, 43, visited The Royal Marsden Hospital in London to meet patients undergoing treatment and staff at the center. The emotional outing was Princess Kate's first solo engagement since late 2023, as she was outside of the spotlight almost all of 2024 after announcing last March that she was receiving cancer treatment. 

Princess Kate's latest appearance came with the update that she received treatment from the Royal Marsden, and she spoke about what gave her solace. (The Princess of Wales shared in September 2024 with "relief" that she completed chemotherapy treatment.)

Commenting on the importance of self-care during and after treatment, Princess Kate said, "I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight," the Daily Mail reported.

Related: Kate Middleton Surprises Cancer Patients at the Same Hospital Where She Was Treated Last Year in Rare Public Outing

According to the outlet, the royal offered a relatable comment when a woman's machine started beeping during their conversation, indicating that the patient needed treatment.

"I recognize that beep!" the Princess of Wales said.

After hearing about one man's diagnosis, Kate said, "The body is amazing at telling us, 'You need to take time out,' " the Daily Mail reported.

The Princess of Wales' outing coincided with the announcement that she and Prince William are now the joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. The position gives Princess Kate a formal role with the world-renowned cancer center that her husband has supported as patron since 2007, a role previously held by his late mother, Princess Diana.

While Princess Kate said that she had made "many quiet, private visits" to the Royal Marsden when she entered on Jan. 14, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said that she felt compelled to pay a public visit to the 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 palace spokesman said.

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It's the first official outing of the year for the Princess of Wales, who turned 43 on Jan. 9. 

Prince William celebrated his wife with love in a remarkably emotional tribute on social media that day, along with a new portrait of her softly smiling by Matt Porteous. 

"To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you," the Prince of Wales wrote, referencing their kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. "Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W"