The Princess of Wales shared a deeply personal and poignant moment with an elderly hospital volunteer during a surprise visit to a London NHS facility, just days before her 44th birthday.
A Surprise Visit Full of Empathy
Kate Middleton, whose own cancer is in remission, made an unannounced visit to Charing Cross Hospital in west London with Prince William. The couple met with NHS staff and volunteers from the Imperial Health Charity, which supports patient care. The visit was intended to acknowledge the hard work of healthcare workers during a difficult winter period.
It was there that Kate bonded with 86-year-old widow Maureen Gilmour, a volunteer who helps weekly at the hospital's chemotherapy day unit. Mrs Gilmour, a former ballet dancer, described the royal couple as "charming, relaxed and easy." She initially feared the announced VIP might be a pop star she wouldn't recognise, expressing relief when the familiar faces of William and Kate appeared.
"I Know About That": A Connection Forged Through Experience
The conversation turned heartfelt when Mrs Gilmour mentioned to the Princess how patients often spend hours sitting and waiting during their treatment. Kate replied knowingly, "I know about that," before touching her husband's shoulder and adding, "You know." This simple exchange underscored a shared understanding of the cancer journey's realities.
Mrs Gilmour, who has volunteered at the hospital for three years, expressed immense admiration for Kate. "I think she is fantastic because she's got on with her job and doing it beautifully," she told the Mirror.
A Volunteer's Personal Story
Opening up about her own loss, Mrs Gilmour revealed her third husband, Sandy, died from bone marrow cancer approximately 17 years ago, aged 76. At the time, she was working in the fashion industry and was not involved with the hospital. She reflected that her husband rarely spoke about his illness, a trait she now recognises in many of the patients she meets.
"I see it in the patients, they don't talk about what they're going through, almost ever," she explained. Her role, she believes, is to provide a diversion—handing out refreshments and offering company. "I get as much out of it, I hope, as they do," she said, describing the work as a "two-way situation."
The visit holds added significance as it comes just before the first anniversary of the princess's announcement that she was in remission from cancer. Furthermore, King Charles recently shared "good news" regarding his own cancer treatment, suggesting it could be reduced this year.
Intensive care consultant David O'Callaghan noted the value of the royal visit, stating it was "lovely to know that the work that you've done is valued by the Royal family." He added that their personal experience with difficult issues resonated deeply with staff, particularly regarding psychological support for patients.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are joint patrons of NHS Charities Together. Ellie Orton, CEO of the charity, said the surprise gave healthcare staff and volunteers "a genuine boost at a very challenging time."
