The Princess of Wales resumed her royal duties today.
In her first public appearance of 2025, and her first significant solo engagement in more than a year, the Princess conducted an emotional visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
It can now be confirmed that this is where the Princess received her treatment for cancer.
Dressed in rich brown and burgundy tones, the Princess returned to the Marsden to meet with staff and thank them for their “exceptional care, support and compassion”.
She also met with patients and opened up about the experiences and challenges of chemotherapy.
The Princess revealed a number of things during the visit, including some of the advice she received before her treatment.
She was told to “keep a positive mindset because it really helps” and that the side effects of chemotherapy meant she’d need to bring warm clothes.
She shared that during treatment, she felt like she “needed to get the sun”. “You need loads of water and loads of sunlight” she added.
She spoke about finding it difficult to talk, telling one person that she found “the words totally disappear.”
Kate had her own advice for patients today. She told several people to “keep doing the things that give you joy”.
During the visit, the Princess met Scout the therapy dog and spoke with doctors and nurses involved in research and pilot projects to improve holistic care at the hospital.
The Princess also revealed that she had entered the unit through the front door today, and that was quite a novelty for her. She said that she usually had to sneak in for her treatment, which she referred to as her “quiet visits”—presumably to avoid a media circus and crowds forming.
Poignantly, Kate told one patient that she found it “hard to get back to normal” after finishing her treatment.
This was echoed in a statement she made social media this afternoon, following the visit:
As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. —The Princess of Wales
The social media message reiterated Kate’s “heartfelt thanks” to the staff who have helped her navigate her diagnosis and treatment over the last 12 months.
In remission:
The Princess finished the message by confirming she is now in remission from cancer.
She explained that she’s “looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead”. “There is much to look forward to”, she added.
The Princess thanked everybody for their “continued support” before signing off the post with her initial, “C”, showing she personally authored the message.
New patronage:
There was another announcement today. The Princess will join her husband William as Joint Patron of the The Royal Marsden.
“In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.” – The Princess of Wales
Prince William has been patron of the Royal Marsden since 2007, following in the footsteps of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana held the role of president of the prestigious cancer treatment and research centre, making regular visits to patients and staff during her time as a working royal.
A Gradual Return To Work:
Today, a Kensington Palace spokesperson stressed that the Princess’s return to royal duties will be gradual, slow and measured as she continues her recovery.
A tone shift now—on to something lighter, and a bit more fun and frivolous: fashion! I shall do my run-through of Kate’s outfit.
Outfit overview:
The Princess layered a brown checked tailored coat over a burgundy skirt and a coordinating roll-neck sweater.
The ensemble was a showcase of what Kate does best: understated elegance.
The coat is by Blazé Milano. It features structured tailoring, a cinched waist and double-breasted buttons which gives a modern yet classic feel. It’s finished with Blazé Milano’s distinctive curved pockets at the hip.
If you’re a hardcore Kate fashion fan, the coat will feel familiar. Perhaps you recognise it from the 2021 Christmas Day church service? At the time, we assumed she wore a blazer. (The Princess was photographed in her car on the way to a church service so you couldn’t see the length). The brand’s website only stocked the blazer in this fabric at the time, not a full-length coat). I cannot be certain if Kate owns just the coat, or both the blazer and the coat in the same fabric.
Either way, the coat is not available for purchase. I’m thinking it is a bespoke piece, commissioned by the Princess, as I can’t find a stock image of it online.
For reference on price, a double-breasted coat on the brand’s website (a similar shape that’s crafted from fine camel hair) retails for over $3,000 USD.
The Princess has been spotted in just one other Blazé Milano piece to date, a beige blazer.
Blazé Milano is an Italian brand renowned for its impeccable blazers and elevated tailoring. It’s known for blending menswear-inspired style with feminine details.
Let’s take a look at that lovely red handbag next. I managed to zoom in on a photo and read the brand inscription from the gold hardware, Asprey London.
The Princess carries the brand’s Morgan Small handbag in Cranberry.
You’ll notice one key difference, the chain strap/handle. I spoke to a PR rep from the brand, and they confirmed Kate Princess carries an earlier version of the bag which is not currently available online. The bag shown online is from a newer collection. I’m informed Kate’s original “top handle” bag is still available in store and on special order.
The bag is made from soft grain leather and features a kid suede interior. The design features a clean and minimal silhouette and is finished with Asprey’s signature clasp lock in gold.
If you’d like to buy the cranberry coloured handbag, it will set you back $3,700 USD / £2,995 GBP.
Asprey is known for more than just handbags; the brand also creates exquisite jewellery, gifts, and elegant objets d’art. With a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, it has been a favourite among those with discerning taste for over two centuries. Based in London’s Mayfair, Asprey counts royalty among its clientele, including the Princess, who owns several of their pieces.
Let’s look at Kate earrings next. She debuted a pair with her outfit today. They’re by Cartier. The Trinity Earrings ‘Classic Model’.
The Trinity earrings feature a chunky tri-tone design combining 18ct white, yellow and rose gold interlocking loops. It’s said the bands represent unity and eternity. The earrings retail for $3,200 USD / £3,050 GBP at Cartier.com.
The Princess must be a fan of the Trinity collection, which celebrated its 100 year anniversary last year. She’s worn multiple pieces. In fact, these earrings are the fifth ‘Trinity’ item we’ve spotted her wearing to date.
She debuted Cartier’s Trinity Long Station necklace at an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in 2012. She wore a large pair of Trinity hoops bedazzled with diamonds to the SportsAid gala in 2016. Then in 2017, she chose a pair of Trinity hoops suspended from brilliant-cut diamonds and a Trinity tri-ring necklace for an official visit to Paris.
Cartier is a legendary French luxury brand known for its exquisite jewellery and watches, celebrated for its timeless designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and iconic creations.
The rest of Kate’s outfit is familiar, the skirt, sweater and shoes are pieces we’ve seen her wear in the past. Let’s have a quick look.
We think the burgundy roll-neck sweater is from the Scottish brand, Kiltane. It’s made from pure cashmere and retailed at kiltane.com for £99.
Kate’s worn the garment in public twice prior to today. To a Rugby match in 2022, and during a visit to Falmouth in 2023.
Sadly, the sweater is sold out in Bordeaux. But Kiltane stock the garment in plenty of other hues.
We think the Princess owns at least one other sweater by Kiltane.
Kate’s skirt features a distinctive asymmetrical deep pleat on the front, which makes it easy to identify. It’s by Edeline Lee.
The piece is hand-crafted in the UK. It features a gently flared shape and a concealed zip fastening at the side. It’s made from a smooth textured Italian-woven Georgette Champion fabric.
The skirt retails for £595 on edelinelee.com, though only limited sizes are available. (Others are out of stock).
To date, we’ve only spotted Kate wearing one other Edeline Lee piece, a gorgeous green dress worn to a fashion industry event in 2022. Edeline Lee launched her eponymous label in 2014.
It looks like the Princess finished her outfit with her Russell and Bromley ‘pinpoint’ shoes in brown suede.
The classic brown suede shoes feature a pointed toe and an 8cm heel.
Kate’s worn the shoes a handful of times since 2016.
Note: It’s so late here, please forgive any typos or repeated sentences. I’m going to have to hit publish and log off to sleep! Zzzz.
I’m a breast cancer surgeon, and so much of what she spoke resonates with what I’ve seen with my patients. The privacy issues, the advantages (and disadvantages! probably why she had the modified lavender dress at Wimbledon) of a portacath, the issues of hair loss (possibly avoided for her because of the drug regimen or possibly because she also used cold capping like one of the photos here showed.) Her sincerity is written all over her face. I’m thrilled she is NED and hope this bodes well for the future.
And of course, she looks amazing!
Hi Carly! Is the skirt the “Plait” skirt? If so, it looks like it’s been restocked in all sizes : )