Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, made a rare and touching acknowledgment of her personal battle with cancer while meeting well-wishers gathered at Sandringham on Christmas Day.
The heartfelt interaction took place as members of the royal family greeted the public during their traditional walk to and from the morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
Kate Middleton talks about Cancer
Among those who spoke with the princess was 24-year-old Rachel Anvil, a healthcare worker from Cambridge’s Royal Papworth Hospital, which is part of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS).
Rachel, who began her career in a cancer unit, shared her admiration for Kate, calling her “an inspiration to all the patients.”
Visibly moved, Kate expressed her deep appreciation for healthcare professionals, remarking, “The amount of people who have written this year is extraordinary, and I think cancer just really does resonate with so many families.”
Her gratitude was evident as she praised Rachel and others in the field for their dedication, saying, “People like you are doing all the hard work out there.”
Rachel later reflected on the impact of meeting Kate, explaining how meaningful it was to connect with someone so influential who had openly shared their own cancer journey.
She described Kate as brave and humble, emphasizing how the princess’ openness has brought comfort to many dealing with the illness.
For Rachel, the meeting was unforgettable. She shared her joy at being able to express how much Kate’s actions have meant to cancer patients, particularly after the challenging year the princess endured.
“Getting that opportunity — I shook hands with the future queen of England and got to tell her what a wonderful job she’s doing. How many people get to do that?” she said.
The princess’ interaction with another attendee, Karen Maclean, also stood out. Karen, a 73-year-old retiree and cancer survivor, spoke briefly with both Princess Kate and King Charles III.
She described her conversation with Kate as a special moment, even managing to share a hug with her. Karen praised both royals for their strength and poise, noting how well they seemed despite their ongoing health challenges.
Princess Kate publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, and by September, she announced that she was cancer-free.
Her willingness to discuss her journey has brought attention to the emotional toll of the disease, particularly the loneliness often experienced by those affected.