The Princess of Wales visited the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester this afternoon in an emotional engagement with cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Kensington Palace stated that Catherine’s purpose was to “highlight the healing power of holistic care alongside clinical care” at one of Europe’s premier cancer facilities.
The visit carries particular significance given the princess’s own experience with the disease.
Catherine received a diagnosis of an undisclosed cancer in early 2024 and subsequently underwent preventative chemotherapy treatment.
Princess of Wales applauding as a cancer patient rings the bell.
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PA
Catherine received a diagnosis of an undisclosed cancer in early 2024 and subsequently underwent preventative chemotherapy treatment.
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PA
She announced in January 2025 that she had entered remission.
The future queen’s engagement at the trust’s Withington site represents a continuation of her gradual return to public duties following her health battle.
Catherine commenced her tour at the Oak Road treatment centre, where she engaged with staff and patients currently receiving chemotherapy.
During these conversations, the princess heard firsthand accounts of how complementary therapies have supported both the physical and emotional wellbeing of those in treatment.
Catherine commenced her tour at the Oak Road treatment centre, where she engaged with staff and patients currently receiving chemotherapy.
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The art room was her next destination, where she encountered resident artist Patricia Mountford and participated in a creative session exploring how artistic expression aids the recovery process.
Catherine also spent time with gardener Phil Walker in the wellbeing garden, learning how the carefully designed landscape provides a space for patients and staff to find moments of calm and reflection.
Her final stop was the Teenage and Young Adult unit, where she discovered the therapeutic, social and recreational programmes created specifically for younger patients.
The Christie holds the distinction of being Europe’s largest single-site cancer centre, treating more than 60,000 patients annually and serving a population of 3.2 million across the region.
Today’s engagement follows Catherine’s return to international duties last month, when she undertook a solo working visit to Italy focused on her early years initiatives, marking her first overseas trip since her cancer diagnosis.
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Established in 1892, the facility became the first in the United Kingdom to achieve accreditation as a comprehensive cancer centre.
The trust has built a reputation for its complementary and holistic approaches, which help address common challenges faced by those receiving cancer treatment, including stress, depression, anxiety and treatment-related nausea.
Services extend to drop-in art sessions, the wellbeing garden and chaplaincy support.
Today’s engagement follows Catherine’s return to international duties last month, when she undertook a solo working visit to Italy focused on her early years initiatives, marking her first overseas trip since her cancer diagnosis.