William and Kate on surprise hospital visit
The royal couple visited Charing Cross Hospital in London and met healthcare staff - Kate spoke openly about her own cancer journey.
Prince William and Princess Catherine made their first joint engagement of 2026 when they visited Charing Cross Hospital in west London on January 8. The visit was originally planned as a solo engagement for William, but Kate decided at the last minute to join him.
The couple, who are joint patrons of NHS Charities Together, wanted to show their support for healthcare workers and thank them for their efforts during the winter season with high illness pressure.
Prince William on hospital visit. Photo: Royal Household
During the visit, Kate spoke with 86-year-old Maureen Gilmour, a volunteer who works with cancer patients. When Gilmour mentioned the long hours patients have to sit during chemotherapy treatment, Kate quietly replied: 'I know.' She then turned to William, touched his arm and said: 'We know.'
Princess Catherine spoke about her cancer journey. Photo: Royal Household
Prince William said in a speech to the staff: 'Both of us have had different experiences with hospitals - myself through my work with the air ambulance, Catherine through her recent health journey.'
The royal couple met healthcare staff. Photo: Royal Household
The visit came exactly one year after Kate announced that her cancer was in remission. She has previously stated that she will prioritize quality over quantity in her royal duties in 2026.
The Palace announced that Kate 'wished to join her husband to show her support for the NHS and to thank the teams at Charing Cross for their efforts.' The day after the visit, Kate turned 44.
Prince William on hospital visit. Photo: Royal Household
During the visit, Kate spoke with 86-year-old Maureen Gilmour, a volunteer who works with cancer patients. When Gilmour mentioned the long hours patients have to sit during chemotherapy treatment, Kate quietly replied: 'I know.' She then turned to William, touched his arm and said: 'We know.'
Princess Catherine spoke about her cancer journey. Photo: Royal Household
Prince William said in a speech to the staff: 'Both of us have had different experiences with hospitals - myself through my work with the air ambulance, Catherine through her recent health journey.'
The royal couple met healthcare staff. Photo: Royal Household
The visit came exactly one year after Kate announced that her cancer was in remission. She has previously stated that she will prioritize quality over quantity in her royal duties in 2026.
The Palace announced that Kate 'wished to join her husband to show her support for the NHS and to thank the teams at Charing Cross for their efforts.' The day after the visit, Kate turned 44.