The Princess of Wales had a very emotional encounter while undertaking a poignant solo visit to The Christie, a specialist cancer centre, last month.
Nearly two years after completing her own chemotherapy, the royal met with fellow mum and patient, Claire Lorente, 30, for a momentous milestone on 4 June. The Princess of Wales warmly embraced and supported Claire as she rang the bell to mark the end of her cancer treatment in a video shared by HELLO!.
The royal's voice broke as she spoke to Claire and her partner, Pablo, who had their baby son Enzo with them for the special moment. "Well done, you," Kate said as she walked over to give Claire a big hug. "Please don't worry. What a journey," she added.
© Getty Images"What an amazing day," the Princess told Claire, who had been having treatment since January and had an upcoming surgery, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.
The royal sweetly comforted Claire's partner, who wiped away tears during the exchange. "I know it's just as hard on the family and the loved ones," she told the couple from experience. "I know how hard it was for the children and my parents. You go through it with them."
She said to the couple's baby, Enzo: "Isn’t mummy brave." The royal smiled and applauded as Claire rang the bell to mark the end of her treatment.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Kate's cancer journey
The visit was for a cause close to Kate's heart, having been through her own cancer journey. It was announced in March 2024 that the Princess of Wales was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after cancer was discovered during a major abdominal surgery she underwent in January.
The royal addressed her health news in a personal and powerful video message. "This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time.
© Getty ImagesShe continued: "It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok."
In September 2024, the Princess of Wales announced in a family video alongside her husband Prince William and their three children that she was "cancer-free". The royal had another health update a few months later, confirming in January 2025 that she was in remission.
"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal," the royal said in a statement.
"I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."
After stepping away from public life during her 2024 treatment, Kate has since returned to her royal duties in full force. Earlier this month, the royal made her annual trip to the Wimbledon Tennis Championship finals, where she presented the men's trophy.
