The Princess of Wales provided a touching and notably informal moment during a surprise royal visit, endearing herself further to the public. On Thursday, 9th January 2026, Catherine joined Prince William for their first official engagement of the new year at London's Charing Cross Hospital.
A Surprise Joint Engagement
In a last-minute decision, the Princess opted to accompany her husband to the West London hospital. The visit was intended to acknowledge the immense efforts of NHS staff and volunteers during a challenging winter period. The royal couple, serving as Joint Patrons of NHS Charities Together, spent time meeting with excited healthcare workers, patients, and dedicated volunteers.
The 'Humble' Introduction That Captured Hearts
The defining moment of the visit, which quickly circulated on social media, came when Princess Catherine introduced the future king. While speaking with a patient in the hospital's therapy gym, she politely asked the individual's name before gesturing to her husband. She simply said, "This is William," forgoing any of his formal titles such as Prince of Wales or Duke of Cornwall.
Prince William immediately shook the patient's hand and lightened the mood with a joke, stating, "We've come to interrupt your gym session." This relaxed interaction, devoid of expected royal protocol, was swiftly noted and praised by royal watchers online. Fans commended the couple's down-to-earth and approachable demeanour, with many highlighting the Princess's "humble" manner.
Connecting Through Shared Experience
The engagement also held personal significance. The Princess, who wore a burgundy suit for the occasion, spoke with a volunteer supporting chemotherapy patients. When the volunteer mentioned how long patients and visitors often stay, Catherine, whose own cancer is in remission, responded empathetically. She said, "I know," before touching William's arm and adding, "We know."
In a practical move familiar from past hospital visits, the Princess chose not to wear her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which once belonged to Princess Diana. This is considered a standard precaution to minimise infection risks in clinical settings.
The visit left a lasting impression on those present. Gulsenem Vural, a 21-year-old mealtime volunteer for Imperial Health Charity, described it as "an absolutely incredible experience" and noted how interested the Prince and Princess were in learning about the support provided to staff and patients.
