The Princess of Wales made a meaningful return to public life with a heartfelt visit to Colchester Hospital’s RHS Wellbeing Garden. This marked her first appearance since missing Royal Ascot in June.
(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)During the unannounced outing, Kate highlighted the vital role nature plays in healing and emphasized the importance of nurturing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Kate Middleton Talks About Emotional Challenges of Life After Cancer Treatment
During her tour of the Cancer Wellbeing Centre, Kate spoke with patients and staff about life after treatment. People reports that Kate shared her honest journey through cancer and said:
(Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)“You put on a sort of brave face… treatments done, then it’s like ‘I can crack on, get back to normal’ but actually the phase afterwards… is really difficult.”
She added that life after diagnosis affects both patients and families: “You have to find your new normal…it’s a roller coaster…it’s not one smooth plain.”
Kate praised the centre’s creative therapies: “To have a place like this… through creativity and singing or gardening… is so valuable.”
She encouraged wider adoption: “It would be great if lots of communities had this kind of support.”
Kate Plants Symbolic Roses in Healing Garden Dedicated to Recovery and Hope
In honor of her visit, Colchester Hospital received 50 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants from the RHS—named after the Princess of Wales.
(Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images)With coral-pink blooms and a scent of Turkish Delight and mango, the flowers symbolize hope, and proceeds from sales will benefit the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Kate joined award-winning designer Adam Frost to plant some of the roses in the RHS Wellbeing Garden. The space opened in July 2024 and was created in partnership with the RHS, Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, and NHS Charities Together, of which Kate and William are joint patrons.
The garden serves as a peaceful retreat for NHS staff, patients, and visitors, and Kate’s visit underscores the vital role of green spaces in promoting health, healing, and recovery.
Kate Prioritizes Health as She Eases Back Into Royal Life
Kate Middleton officially resumed royal duties in 2025 but notably skipped the anticipated Royal Ascot event on June 18.
(Photo by STEFAN ROUSSEAU/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)A Daily Mail report claims she had hoped to attend alongside Prince William but ultimately decided to sit it out as she continues to pace herself following her cancer treatment.
Those close to the Princess of Wales say she’s still navigating how to strike the right balance between recovery and returning to public life.
Though she hasn’t made a public appearance since, Kate and William quietly welcomed Melinda French Gates to Windsor Castle for a private meeting on June 25.
(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)The engagement took place near their residence, Adelaide Cottage, where the couple lives with their three children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.
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Kate Middleton Reveals How She Powered Through Life‑Changing Cancer Journey