Kate tells cancer patients their bodies change physically, emotionally and deep within themselves

The Princess of Wales has spoken with candour about the profound physical, emotional and psychological toll of cancer treatment during a surprise visit to one of Europe's leading cancer centres on Thursday.

Kate, 44, travelled to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, where she spent time with patients in the Oak Road Treatment Centre, including those undergoing chemotherapy, drawing on her own experience to connect with those she met.

The mother of three — who is in remission from an unspecified form of cancer — revealed at the start of last year that she had received chemotherapy treatment.

"Your body changes so much"

During her time on the ward, Kate spoke openly about the changes a cancer diagnosis brings. When one patient remarked that he "couldn't have done it without the support of my wife," the Princess offered her own reflection.

"I was just saying, it's hard for the loved ones," she said.

"You need to support yourself alongside all the things you can't control. Your body changes so much, not just physically, emotionally, but the deeper side of ourselves. It puts so much in perspective and you hold onto what's important," she added.

She later spoke to former patient Neil Neaverson, 60, who has continued with acupuncture following his treatment at the hospital after finding it beneficial. Kate told him: "Cancer diagnosis is deeply personal, being able to tailor it to the patient's needs is fantastic and allows you to live a happy, healthy life beyond treatment and diagnosis. Cancer changes you in so many ways, emotionally and physiologically, too. It changes you in mind, body, and spirit."

A poignant and personal visit

For the occasion, Kate wore a favourite blue coat dress by Eponine, accessorised with bee earrings — a deliberate nod to the iconic symbol of Manchester. The Christie, which serves a population of 3.2 million people across Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, looks after more than 60,000 patients each year.

The centre offers free therapies to patients and carers to help address symptoms commonly associated with a diagnosis, including stress, depression, fear and worry.

Creativity as a path to healing

In the hospital's art room, Kate met resident artist Patricia Mountford and took part in an arts and crafts session before visiting the hospital's garden. She spoke to Patricia about the role creativity plays in recovery.

"Finding ways, whatever they may be, to explore the change that cancer diagnosis brings and how that deeply personal journey — trying to understand that deep sense of self, creativity is such a wonderful way to explore that. Everyone's cancer journey is so deeply personal," Kate said.

An emotional bell-ringing moment

The most moving moment of the visit came when Kate joined staff, family members and well-wishers to congratulate Claire Lorente, 30, who rang a bell on the unit to mark the completion of her chemotherapy. The ceremony came as a joyful surprise for Claire, her partner Pablo and their son Enzo.

Kate embraced Claire warmly and told her: "Well done, you. What a journey. It's been a tough one, yeah? You have done brilliantly. Well done."

She also hugged Pablo, saying: "Well done. It's just as hard for the family and loved ones," before turning to Enzo and adding: "Isn't mummy brave."

As the bell moment approached, Kate joined those encouraging Claire, telling her: "You can do it."

Kate is the mother to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with her husband, Prince William.