Inside Princess Kate’s secret ‘under the radar’ trip to hospital to thank nursing staff for support during cancer battle
PRINCESS Kate secretly visited the hospital that treated her in an “under the radar” trip to thank nursing staff for their support during her cancer battle.
The Princess of Wales officially visited The Royal Marsden Hospital on Tuesday in her first solo public engagement for more than a year.
However, it has been revealed by the Mail that the Kate had in-fact secretly visited the specialist cancer care centre already just before Christmas in an “under the radar” visit.
The princess was quietly taken through one of the hospital’s rear entrances to avoid being spotted, just as she had done while undergoing chemotherapy there.
It is understood that she returned in December to express her heartfelt thanks to the team at the hospital, as well as offer hand-picked festive gifts and treats to doctors and nurses.
A source described Kate’s gesture as “typically thoughtful” and was one of many moves the princess has made to express her appreciation for The Royal Marsden.
It is unclear how long she spent with staff during her off-the-books visit that was her first to the site since ending her treatment before the autumn.
On Tuesday, Kate made a solo trip to The Royal Marsden Hospital in which she thanked staff for her “exceptional” care.
She said: “I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.
“My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more.
“The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
Her statement added: “In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. 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. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
A beaming Kate thanked the heroes at The Royal Marsden on Tuesday who had cared for her during her health battle.
The mum-of-three has now finished her chemotherapy and met health carers to personally “show her gratitude”.
Kate also asked patients about details of their treatment, trials, well-being, and asked after their families.
The princess had revealed last March in an emotional video statement that she had cancer – just weeks after the King shared his diagnosis.
Although she appeared at Wimbledon tennis finals last summer with Charlotte, the official visit to The Royal Marsden was her first solo appearance for more than a year.
Last week The Sun revealed Kate planned a “gradual return” to front-line duties with royal fans warned not to expect the same “volume of work” as before her health crisis.
Although speaking in South Africa in November William said the couple had “trips” planned in the New Year, it is understood foreign tours for Kate are currently “off the table”.
But the princess will be seen “up and down the country” with her work in Early Years being the “golden thread” of her engagements this year.