Princess Kate made a promise to royal fans before rushing indoors during her public engagement on Wednesday.
The Princess of Wales spent time at Colchester Hospital in Essex on July 2, where she toured the facility’s well-being garden and helped plant a special variety of rose named after her.
The 43-year-old crouched on the ground and used her bare hands to place "Catherine’s Roses" into the soil before stepping out into the rain to meet patients, staff and other supporters who had gathered to see her.
As reported by Hello!, Princess Kate reassured the crowd, saying: "I'm just washing my hands, I'll be back."
Princess Kate makes promise to royal fans before rushing indoors.
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During the royal walkabout, Kate held an umbrella while warmly interacting with well-wishers, shaking hands, posing for selfies and chatting with hospital workers.
Her visit to Colchester Hospital ran half an hour longer than scheduled, and while inside, she spoke openly about her ongoing recovery and the impact of her recent cancer experience.
After announcing in March 2024 that she was undergoing chemotherapy, Kate confirmed in September that her treatment had ended and later shared news of her remission in January 2025.
"You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment's done, then it’s like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually, the phase afterwards is really, is really, really difficult," she said on July 2.
Princess Kate greeting royal crowds on Wednesday.
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"You're not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you're not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to," she went on.
"And actually someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable."
Describing the experience as "life-changing" for both patients and their families, Kate added: "You have to find your new normal and that takes time...and it's a roller coaster, it's not a smooth plane like you expect it to be.
"But the reality is you go through hard times."
Princess Kate taking a selfie with a royal fan.
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Princess Kate posing for pictures with the Colchester Hospital staff.
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Although she’s returned to royal duties this year, Kate was noticeably absent from Royal Ascot on June 18, where she had been expected to appear alongside Prince William.
Sources close to the Princess told GB News she is being mindful about managing her schedule as she continues to recover.
Ailsa Anderson, Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman, recently told People: "She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life."
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