Princess Kate shares light-hearted joke at hospital amid major health update

The mother-of-three shared laughs with staff and patients whilst expressing gratitude for the "exceptional care" she received during her treatment journey.

"It is a relief to now be in remission," the Princess stated in a social media message following the visit.

During her visit, Kate delighted staff with her light-hearted humour as crowds gathered to greet her near the exit.

"Hi, fabulous - is this what happens normally?" she joked with the cheering hospital workers.

Noticing the jubilant atmosphere, she quipped: "I'll let you carry on your party!"

The Princess also remarked on entering through the main entrance: "Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it's quite nice."

Her comments sparked laughter from the gathered crowd, with many capturing the moment on their phones.

The Princess cut an elegant figure in an all-red ensemble, wearing a £770 Gabriela Hearst turtleneck and £595 Edeline Lee 'Plait' skirt.

She later added a Blaze Milano checked wool blazer, priced at £979, completing the look with burgundy stiletto heels and a matching leather handbag.

The visit marked a significant milestone as Kate was announced as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden alongside Prince William, a role once held by Diana, Princess of Wales.

The solo engagement was planned to reflect Kate's personal journey, with William's full support.

During her conversations with patients, Kate shared candid reflections on her own treatment experience.

"Everyone said to me 'Please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference,'" she recalled.

The Princess spoke openly about managing side effects, noting: "I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight."

She empathised with patients undergoing chemotherapy, acknowledging: "It's really tough... Sometimes you feel relatively well, and then you have another one."

"Sometimes from the outside, we all think 'You've finished treatment and you go back to things'. But it's hard to get back to normal," she added.

The Princess spent time speaking with several patients, including Richard Bosworth, whose wife Ruth praised Kate's handling of her children during treatment.

She showed particular understanding when discussing diagnosis challenges, saying: "The body is amazing at telling us 'You need to take time out.'" When medical equipment beeped during one conversation, Kate smiled and said: "I recognise that beep!"

She emphasised the importance of continuity in care, noting: "It's sometimes for the loved ones around us. They need support just as much as I did as the patient."

In a social media message signed 'C', Catherine expressed her gratitude to The Royal Marsden staff for their "exceptional" care over the past year. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything," she wrote.

The Princess outlined her hopes as Joint Patron to support "groundbreaking research and clinical excellence" while promoting patient wellbeing. "I am looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to," she concluded.