During an unexpected visit to Charing Cross Hospital in West London, the Princess of Wales candidly referred to her own battle with cancer as a “daunting” journey. Accompanied by Prince William, she took this opportunity to express gratitude to NHS volunteers for their unwavering dedication, particularly during the challenging winter months.

The royal couple’s surprise presence during a tea break left many NHS heroes astonished. As they engaged with the staff, Catherine shared her personal insights into the cancer treatment process, acknowledging the profound challenges it presents.

In a heartfelt conversation with a volunteer who assists chemotherapy patients, Kate empathized with the lengthy waiting times that patients and their families often endure. The volunteer noted how individuals could spend “hours” in such settings, prompting a knowing response from the Princess.

Kate, who is currently in remission, simply affirmed, “I know.” The moment was made even more poignant when she turned to Prince William, gently touching his arm, and reiterated, “We know.”

Kate, whose cancer is in remission, said: ‘I know.’ 

She then touched William’s arm next to her and said: ‘We know.’

Prince William was due to visit the hospital on his own for his first engagement since the Christmas break to show support for hospitals as they deal with an increased number of patients during winter.

But in a last minute change, he was joined by the Princess of Wales who celebrates her 44th birthday tomorrow, at the hospital. 

It is understood the joint visit was to acknowledge the incredible work of NHS staff over a difficult winter period.

The royal couple shocked hard working health staff after arriving in the canteen, before joining a surprise tea party for volunteers and staff to thank them for their hard work.

Volunteers said ‘wow’ as William and Kate – in a burgundy suit – arrived at the hospital.

William said ‘happy New Year’ and jokingly checked his watch saying, ‘Can we still say that?’

Maureen Gilmour, 86, who has been a volunteer for three years and works on chemotherapy said, ‘people sit there for hours’ to which Kate responded, ‘I know’.

She then touched William and said: ‘We know.’

Maureen added: ‘They are so sweet. Everyone is really positive and I have to say I love it.’

Prince William referred to ‘Catherine’s recent health journey’ in a discussion with supporters.

Talking about a tour they had of facilities organised by NHS Charities Together to support the welfare of staff and patients, he said: ‘Both of us have had different experiences with hospital. Me working in the air ambulance, Catherine with her recent health journey and coming here today and reminding ourselves of just how important all the teams are. 

‘All the staff and patient interactions, it’s so heartwarming and it’s so important that we acknowledge and appreciate all that goes on in the NHS and the very strong bond between patient and carer.’

The future king also discussed the importance of philanthropy in the NHS and how ‘powerful’ it can be. ‘It needs that support and renewed energy.

‘We all applauded the NHS for many weeks through Covid and this feels like like a moment to remind ourselves why we did that applauding and why the next stage and energy level into the NHS can come from the likes of you around the table in this room. 

‘As joint patrons of NHS Charities Together we are so fortunate, so proud at everything that is being done around Charities Together. ‘

He pointed out that there was huge income inequality around the country when it came to charitable contributions. ‘It shouldn’t really be a case of where you are around the country,’ he said, ‘if there is excitement and opportunity we should embrace it. ‘

In a conversation with a patient, she said: ‘I was just saying that you need the medical support but actually being able to have the sort of holistic support alongside it … it must help the days go past.’

Kate went on to discuss how ‘fantastic’ it was to have spaces for holistic care, adding: ‘Creativity and nature played such a huge part in my recovery journey.’

The volunteers spoke about their working days and dealing with patients.

Kate spoke of the experience as ‘quite daunting’.

She said: ‘So you’ve got have that support from you as a team.’

Kate added: ‘From a patients experience it’s important things not in job description such kindness and as compassion.’

William hailed the staff for being ‘diligent’ and Kate celebrated the ‘interaction’ between patients and volunteers.

William said: ‘You should be very proud of giving your time and knowing what to say and not way to say is a skill.’

Kate spoke about ‘the difference it makes for patients.’

The couple also visited the hospital’s neuro-rehabilitation centre where patients took part in a therapy gym and arts and craft activity centre.

Speaking to one patient who is able to leave his ward for therapy, the Princess said: ‘You need medical support but also a holistic approach.

And she likened staying in hospital for long period to ‘Groundhog Day’

After learning the patient had been in hospital for Christmas Day she laughed when he said he enjoyed eating Brussel Sprouts.

She said: ‘It’s really tough. Sorry it’s difficult journey. You are surrounded by lots of support.’

In the activity area they also met patients who are learning to walk again and others playing games.

The princess said: ‘It must be nice to be doing things like this as a distraction from medical things.’

Speaking to another patient, she told him: ‘Activities and nature have been a huge part of my recovery journey.’

The event was the couple’s first royal engagement of the year.

As they left the prince and princess met other NHS staff who had waited to meet the royals.

Kate said to them: ‘There’s amazing work going on here.

‘It makes a big difference to patients.’

William added: ‘You guys keep it all going

The tea party room was paid for by Imperial Health Charity, which is a member of NHS Charities Together, of which Kate and William are patrons.

Their morale-boosting drop-in was also planned to highlight the vital work of NHS Charities Together, of which The Prince and Princess are Joint Patrons – a role the pair took on during the Covid pandemic. 

Kate, who 13 months ago revealed her cancer was in remission, and William gave the surprise helping hand at the London hospital amid warnings of NHS responding to increased demand over winter.

They also joined activities for patients in neuro-rehabilitation, including a therapy gym and arts room and were serenaded by a harpist, funded by the charity.

They later sat with NHS charity CEO’s, Trustees and health leaders to chat about philanthropy in the NHS.

NHS Charities Together represents over 220 NHS charities based in every NHS Trust and Health Board across the UK, giving £1.5 million every day to the NHS, for innovation, care and support staff wellbeing.

Money is invested in state-of-the-art equipment, buildings, green spaces and arts projects.

The roundtable was hosted by Ellie Orton OBE, CEO of NHS Charities Together, with clinicians, patients and volunteers.