Kate Middleton Opens Up About 'Long-Term Side Effects' of Cancer Treatment: 'The Words Totally Disappear'

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The Princess of Wales' comments came during a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London — where she was treated following her cancer diagnosis in 2024

Kate Middleton is opening up about the long-term side effects of her cancer treatment. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Princess of Wales spoke with staff during a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London — which is where she was treated following her cancer diagnosis in 2024 — and revealed more about her experience as a patient. 

"You think treatment's finished, crack on with that … daily tasks, but that's still like a real challenge," Kate, 43, told staff, according to the Daily Mail. "And talking… the words totally disappear… understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects."

Kate also said that the "continuity" of holistic care "is so important, on good days and bad days," reported the Daily Mail.

"I feel like it's sometimes for the loved ones around us. They need support just as much as I did as the patient," she added.

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During her visit, Kate thanked staff at the hospital for their care and support and also met current patients going through treatment, including Katherine Field.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said, "The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides."

Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message in March 2024 and admitted that it had "taken time" to tell her three children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 – the news. That September, the Princess confirmed she had completed her chemotherapy treatment after an "incredibly tough" nine months.

In the video sharing the news, Kate called her cancer journey "complex, scary and unpredictable," and added that "my path to healing and full recovery is long."

On Tuesday, Ruth Bosworth, whose husband Richard was having treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital, told Kate she had "managed the children so well," according to the Daily Mail. Kate, whose specific type of cancer has not been revealed, reportedly responded with a smile and said, "Oh, that's kind."

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She also told a patient, per the outlet, "The resilience you need to get through, first of all, a small taster of what you've gone through ... It's to keep coming back … to be as positive as you are. The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently."

Following the Princess' visit, Kensington Palace announced that she and husband Prince William had become patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

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Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said she was "delighted" at the news. 

"We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage – it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families," Palmer said in a release from Kensington Palace.

Kate's diagnosis came two months after she underwent "planned abdominal surgery" in January.