The Princess of Wales has said that “important things not in the job description” such as “kindness” matter most to chemotherapy patients when they are in hospital.
Her comments came as she joined Prince William to meet patients, staff and volunteers on an official visit to Charing Cross Hospital in west London.
It is understood that Kate, who will mark her 44th birthday on Friday, wanted to join the Prince of Wales — who had been due to attend alone in a show of support to hospitals under intense pressure over winter — to express her gratitude to NHS staff.
Princess of Wales joins her husband on trip to Charing Cross hospital
• Prince William: We told children everything about Kate’s cancer
Speaking to Maureen Gilmour, 86, a volunteer who helps patients during their chemotherapy, the princess was told that “people sit there for hours”. Kate replied, “I know”, before touching William on the arm and adding: “We know”.
Upon arrival, the couple surprised healthcare staff who were taking a tea break in the canteen. William said: “Happy new year” before joking to check his watch and asking: “Can we still say that?”
The Princess of Wales said cancer treatment was tough for patients
REUTERS
Gilmour, the volunteer, added: “They are so sweet, everyone [was] really positive. I have to say I love it.”
The volunteers spoke about their working days and supporting patients. Kate described treatment as “quite a daunting experience”, adding: “So you’ve got to have that support from you as a team.”
Kate added: “From a patient’s experience it’s important things not in the job description, such as kindness and compassion.”
It is nearly a year since the princess announced that she was in remission from cancer after making an emotional return to the Royal Marsden hospital in Chelsea where she had undergone chemotherapy.
The couple appeared in good spirits
ISABEL INFANTES/REUTERS
The princess thanked staff and sympathised with patients, acknowledging that treatment was “tough” but saying that she was grateful for the “light at the end of the tunnel”.
Kate later posted a message on social media in which she spoke of her “relief” and said that she remained “focused on recovery”.
She added: “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead.”
As joint patrons of the NHS Charities Together, a cause they adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prince and Princess of Wales hoped that their latest visit would highlight the work of NHS staff during the winter flu season.
NHS Charities Together represents more than 220 NHS charities based in every NHS trust and health Board across the UK, giving £1.5 million every day to the health service for innovation, care and to support staff wellbeing.
During their visit, the prince and princess met volunteers managed by the charity who help to improve care for patients and take pressure off staff.
Later, they joined a discussion with NHS charity chief executives, trustees, policy-makers and philanthropists.