The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has been commended for her heartfelt empathy during a recent visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital. Speaking to patients and staff, Kate’s personal connection to the cancer journey was evident, making her visit deeply impactful.
Peter Burton, 60, one of the patients who met the Princess, shared his experience with Mirror. “I was told we were going to be meeting a VIP, and my guess was that it was going to be Prince William, but to my surprise, it was Her Royal Highness,” Burton said.
“Speaking to Kate, who herself has been through cancer, was really special – it felt like she could genuinely empathise with me and what I’m going through. When you see the Royal Family on TV they are carrying out a role – but Kate was extremely personable, genuinely interested in what I had to say, and took time one-on-one with me and every patient,” he added.
During her visit, Kate spent time in the day unit, interacting with patients undergoing treatment. Burton emphasized how her presence felt sincere and far from a staged public appearance. “She visited the day unit, which is where people are actually having treatment, so it was business as usual, which made it even more genuine. It made you realize she was there because she genuinely wanted to be there and not just for a photo opportunity.”
Burton also reflected on a meaningful conversation he had with Kate about the impact of cancer on families. “We spoke about how often people think about cancer patients rather than the family looking after them, which can be difficult,” he said. “It was something she was really able to relate to, having felt the same with her husband and children. It was also nice to learn that Kate herself was treated at the Royal Marsden – it means she can really relate to patients like me.”
Kate Middleton, who underwent treatment for cancer earlier this year and is now in remission, continues to use her personal experiences to connect with those affected by the disease. Her visit to the Royal Marsden underscores her dedication to supporting patients and their families with compassion and understanding.
