Kate Middleton opened the New Year on January 14 with her first solo visit in many years, visiting the same London cancer hospital where she was treated in 2024. While visiting with patients, she shared some “touching moments,” and one legendary royal photographer shared his insights on the visit.

The Princess of Wales, 43, who announced that her cancer was in remission after her engagement, shared stories and comforted staff, patients, and family members at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea. She said, “It was very encouraging to have the Princess on the ward and to hear her say, ‘I overcame cancer, just like you, and I'm so proud of you.’”

“She wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the staff, but most importantly, she chatted with patients undergoing cancer treatment,” he continued, adding that “Princess Catherine gave them sympathy as well as empathy.”

Edwards, who has photographed the royal family for The Sun since the 1970s, noted that there were “several touching moments” during the event. 'Kate placed her hand on a female patient's knee and looked her straight in the eye. In another photo, Princess Catherine had her hand on her chest, full of compassion and understanding.”

The Princess of Wales announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer in March 2024, and in September she posted a deeply personal video on social media telling the world that she had completed treatment.

As Edwards noted, “It was only recently that Kate was sitting with a cold hat on to stop her hair falling out being treated by the wonderful staff.” The photographer called it a “heartfelt ‘thank you’” for the Crown Prince and Princess being named co-patrons of the cancer hospital.

Royal biographer Robert Hardman agreed that it was great to see Princess Kate out and about last week, but stressed that fans should not expect to see her “rushing back” to her royal duties.

“She looked beautiful and brought a bit of joy and hope to those there with her beautiful smile,” the author told The Sun. However, he added: “I am not sure if I will ever be able to do that again.

“But from now on,” he added, “she should pace herself and listen to her body.

Hardman recently expressed similar sentiments about the Princess of Wales in Marie Claire, noting, “I think she is getting back to normal in terms of her work behind the scenes.” This royal commentator, who recently published a new biography of King Charles, The Making of a King, added, “Behind-the-scenes things will be back to normal long before the public stuff.”