London
CNN
—
Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a deeply personal commitment on Tuesday by visiting the London hospital where she underwent cancer treatment to express her gratitude to the staff who supported her over the past year.
The Princess of Wales made a poignant visit to the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Chelsea, west London, where she met medical teams and spoke to patients currently receiving treatment, the palace said from Kensington.
The palace also announced that Catherine would become co-godmother of the specialist cancer center, alongside her husband, Prince William.
Tuesday’s unannounced visit was her first solo engagement of the year as the royal continues her gradual return to public duties.
“The Princess wanted to make the trip to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment provided by Marsden,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said.
The royal, who is also known as Kate, withdrew from public duties last year to undergo treatment for an unspecified cancer. In September, she announced that she had completed chemotherapy and said she was “doing what I can to not get cancer.”
Prince William last week congratulated his wife and mother of their three children as she celebrated her 43rd birthday, saying that “the the strength you have shown over the past year has been remarkable.
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The Royal Marsden was the world’s first hospital dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, research and education of cancer when it opened in 1851. Today, the facility remains a leading cancer center in the world. world.
Prince William has served as hospital president since 2007, a role previously held by his late mother, Diana.
As royal co-patron, he is understood that Kate will support the hospital’s work to advance cancer research, treatment and care, as well as learn more about how this can benefit patients in the future.
“We are incredibly fortunate to receive royal patronage. It is an inspiration to staff and patients and allows us to shine a light on the exceptional work our staff do every day for patients and their families,” he said. said hospital CEO Cally Palmer.