The Princess of Wales described her cancer treatment as ‘daunting’ as she spoke to NHS volunteers during a surprise hospital visit with Prince William.
Catherine and William shocked NHS heroes as they arrived at Charing Cross Hospital in west London during a tea break today to thank health staff for their hard work during winter.
As the volunteers spoke about the importance of supporting patients, Kate opened up about her own experience, describing cancer treatment as ‘quite a daunting experience’.
She bonded with one volunteer who worked with chemotherapy patients, who revealed how patients and visitors could find themselves waiting ‘for hours’.
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.
The volunteers spoke about their working days and dealing with patients
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’.