Emotional event for Princess of Wales

It was an emotional day for the Princess of Wales during a visit to The Christie, NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester.

The Princess of Wales helped staff and families celebrate the end of one young mother’s cancer treatment at the hospital.

In a touching moment, after Claire Lorente’s last day of treatment, she rang the bell in front of the royal. Catherine hugged Claire and said, “Well done, you. What a journey. It’s been a tough one, yeah? You have done brilliantly. Well done.”

She also called it an “amazing day.”

She also looked at Claire’s young child and said, “Isn’t Mummy brave?”

The Princess also spoke to patients and their families, and it was during that time that she revealed information about her own cancer journey.

The Princess with Claire Lorente. Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Speaking to the Lorente family, she said, “I know it’s just as hard for families and loved ones. I know how hard it was for the children and my parents. You go through it with them.”

Catherine also spoke to patients going through chemotherapy treatment and heard how the complementary therapy at The Christie is helping their wellbeing. She joined in on an art session and heard how it helps patients with their recovery.

During the art session, she also shared more of her experience: “It changes you in so many ways physically but also emotionally and psychologically, and actually finding ways to express that and to explore that is quite difficult.”

Catherine then praised the work of the centre and activities like art in helping people power through.

The Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis after a planned abdominal surgery in 2024. While the form of cancer has never been disclosed, the Princess revealed in January 2025 that she was in remission.

The Christie assists around 60,000 patients a year and is considered one of Europe’s leading cancer centres.