Queen Camilla brought a touch of star power to a poignant royal engagement in Gloucestershire, as she was accompanied by former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner on a tour of the Maggie's Cheltenham cancer support centre. The visit on Wednesday afternoon was arranged to celebrate the organisation's significant 30th anniversary milestone.
A Royal and Pop Star Partnership for a Vital Cause
The Queen, who has served as president of Maggie's since 2008, arrived at the centre under a clear umbrella amidst rainy weather. She was warmly greeted by various guests, including the Mayor of Cheltenham, before embracing Halliwell-Horner and inquiring if it was the pop star's first visit to the facility. Halliwell-Horner confirmed it was, describing the experience as "amazing".
Marking Three Decades of Compassionate Support
During her engagement, Camilla met with NHS staff, centre personnel, and individuals living with cancer to hear firsthand how Maggie's has supported them through their journeys. She unveiled a portrait of herself created by artist Eileen Hogan and was briefed on the centre's recently revamped garden area.
In a short speech commemorating the charity's anniversary, the Queen expressed it was a "huge pleasure" to return to the Cheltenham centre. She fondly recalled her first encounter with the late founder, Maggie Keswick Jencks, in the 1960s at her boutique Annacat, describing her as "warm, funny and generous".
Camilla reflected on Maggie's personal philosophy, noting how she confronted her own cancer diagnosis at age 47 in 1988 with characteristic strength. "She understood – for herself and for others – the importance of feeling in control, rather than a helpless victim," the Queen stated. "She knew how vital it is to have access to information about treatment and the various options available."
Personal Connections and Shared Moments
The Queen emphasised Maggie's conviction that people facing cancer need "a beautiful, comforting environment as they face the unknown" – a place where they can receive expert support, sympathy, and even share laughter alongside tears. Camilla later joined a reception with approximately fifty guests comprising staff, supporters, and beneficiaries of the charity.
In a particularly touching moment, the Queen and Halliwell-Horner shared tea and chocolate biscuits with two individuals who have undergone cancer treatment with Maggie's support. Among them was Caitlyn Warrington, 23, from near Cheltenham, who recounted being diagnosed with a rare ovarian cancer at age 14, followed by relapses at 16 and 18. Camilla told Caitlyn and her mother Nikki that Maggie's was "a life-changing place."
Voices of Support and Appreciation
Following the visit, Halliwell-Horner, who described herself as new to the charity having recently attended a carol concert to learn about its work, expressed her admiration. "I think it is absolutely amazing," she said, characterising the visit as "delightful." The former Spice Girl paid tribute to the Queen, stating: "I am such a big fan of the Queen, I think she is amazing, she is stoic, she is fantastic – a formidable force of nature. She has been here with Maggie's from the beginning, she has watched it grow."
Caitlyn Warrington also praised the royal visit, saying it was "really lovely" and that "raising awareness as well as having someone like that show support means a lot."
The Broader Context of Royal Health Advocacy
The engagement carried additional resonance given recent royal health challenges. Just over a month prior, King Charles III – who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 – shared positive news that his treatment schedule was being reduced in the new year, calling it a "personal blessing." Nearly two years ago, both the King and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer, with Kate announcing she was in remission at the start of 2025.
Camilla's visit occurred on the same day her stepson, the Duke of Sussex, began giving evidence in London as part of his High Court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail regarding alleged unlawful information gathering.
Maggie's Legacy and National Impact
Queen Camilla has visited 18 of Maggie's 27 centres across the UK during her tenure as president. The first Maggie's centre opened in 1996 within the grounds of the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. The organisation provides essential, free psychological, emotional, and practical support to people impacted by cancer, operating on a drop-in basis without requiring appointments.
This royal visit not only highlighted three decades of Maggie's compassionate work but also demonstrated the powerful alliance between royalty and celebrity in championing vital health causes, offering comfort and visibility to those navigating cancer journeys.
