The Princess of Wales made an unusual public declaration of affection for her husband during Tuesday evening’s Cancer Research UK reception at St James’s Palace.
Catherine, 44, joined King Charles and Queen Camilla to mark the charity’s 125th anniversary, though Prince William was absent from the event.
During a conversation with former Boyzone singer Ronan Keating and his wife Storm Keating, the 49-year-old musician asked the princess to pass on his regards to William.
Mrs Keating, 44, described the future King as “such a gent,” with Mr Keating adding: “We love him.”
The Princess of Wales declared her love for Prince William in a candid confession to Ronan Keating
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GETTY
The mother of three, dressed in a £1,600 red Rodarte midi dress featuring white hearts, drew laughter from the couple when she responded: “So do I!”
A more poignant moment came when Catherine spoke with Sebastian Bowen, whose wife, Dame Deborah James, died from incurable bowel cancer in June 2022 at the age of 40.
Mr Bowen told the princess: “I’ve been thinking about you guys a lot.”
Prince William, 43, had developed a close working relationship with Dame Deborah during her tireless campaigning to raise awareness of bowel cancer, honouring her for her fundraising efforts just weeks before her death.
The Princess of Wales shaking Ronan Keating’s hand
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When Mr Bowen appeared to express gratitude for William having a compassionate conversation with his two children, Catherine replied: “He’s good like that.”
The princess also acknowledged the lasting influence of Dame Deborah’s campaigning work, listening as Mr Bowen described the “bittersweet” experience of exceeding the fundraising goals his wife had envisioned.
Speaking after his conversation with Catherine, Mr Bowen reflected on the significance of the Royal Family’s continued involvement with the Bowelbabe Fund.
“I told her I was incredibly touched that they, as a family, had been so supportive and thought about them all the time,” he said.
The Princess of Wales speaking to Davina McCall during a Cancer Research UK reception
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“It was deeply touching and moving for me and my family to have had the opportunity to meet them and ongoing support and given to the fund both privately and publicly.”
Dame Deborah’s father, Alistair James, also attended the reception and spoke with Queen Camilla about the fund’s achievements.
“She congratulated us on everything we had achieved with the fund,” he said.
After meeting Catherine for the first time, he added: “She was genuine and warm. I’ve met William and I have a lot of respect for both of them.”
The reception held particular significance for both the King and his daughter-in-law, who were diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other in 2024.
While Charles, 77, continues to receive treatment, Catherine completed chemotherapy in late summer 2024 and announced her remission in January 2025.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also attended the milestone celebration, alongside researchers, clinicians and volunteers from the charity.
Fellow cancer survivors, including television presenter Davina McCall, Hannah Fry and Adele Roberts, were among the high-profile guests.
Ms McCall, who underwent surgery for a benign brain tumour in 2024 before being diagnosed with breast cancer last October, described her exchange with Catherine as “really wonderful.”
“They are all wonderful,” she said of the royals present.
