Davina McCall has described her conversation with the Princess of Wales about their shared cancer experiences as "liberating" and "really wonderful." The TV presenter and the royal met at a reception hosted by King Charles at St James's Palace in London on Tuesday evening, marking the 125th anniversary of Cancer Research UK.
Royal Hosts and Guests
The King, who serves as patron of the charity, was joined by Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales at the event. They greeted researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and partners involved in the charity's work in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Among the attendees was Davina McCall, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in October last year and received the "all clear" in April following surgery. She also underwent surgery in 2024 to remove a benign brain tumour.
McCall's Conversation with Kate
McCall told the princess it was an "absolute honour" to meet her. The two discussed McCall's cancer journey, with the presenter noting that speaking publicly about it had been "liberating." Reflecting on the exchange, McCall said: "It was a really wonderful exchange, and they (the King, Queen and princess) are all wonderful. I can't imagine what it must be like having going through something like cancer, and then sort of having to tell people about it, when possibly it would have been much easier and nicer to not have to share it with the world. And I've got to say, after my brain tumour, I didn't massively want to have to do that myself." She added: "But it really helped me get through it by sharing it, and other people relating, or feeling like I could help."
Princess Kate's Cancer Journey
The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer early in 2024, underwent chemotherapy, and revealed she was in remission in January 2025. She recently returned to international travel with a solo working trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy, as part of her early years work. The King, who continues treatment for an undisclosed cancer, previously expressed pride in Kate for her courage in speaking out.
Charity's Work and Innovations
During the reception, the royals viewed immersive installations showcasing Cancer Research UK's work, including how artificial intelligence aids in mapping cancer tumours. Dr Samuel Godfrey, the charity's science engagement lead, demonstrated AI applications and discussed the Cancer Grand Challenges project, which unites global research teams to tackle the toughest cancer challenges.
Support from Celebrities and Campaigners
Mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, who attended the event, praised the King's supportive message for the Stand Up to Cancer campaign last year. She said: "We spoke about Stand Up to Cancer, which I did last year, which he was also a part of, and so we spoke about what a massive difference that made to have somebody like him who has been through it and survived cancer and had the same experience as so many people across the country." Fry, who had cervical cancer caught early through routine screening, added: "I think on a more personal level, as someone who's had cancer, I know he's had cancer too, I know the princess has also come through her own cancer journey, I think that there is something really profound about a family who are, you know, at the very top of society, who are going through the same ordeals as the rest of us."
Presenter Adele Roberts, who was treated for bowel cancer after a 2021 diagnosis, and singer Ronan Keating, a campaigner since losing his mother to breast cancer in 1998, were also present.
Kate's Attire and Charity's Future
For the reception, Kate wore a red belted dress with a white pattern of tiny hearts, reminiscent of a polka-dot jacket worn by Princess Diana in 1981. Cancer Research UK's chief executive Michelle Mitchell announced the charity aims to invest over £1 billion in research over the next three years. She said: "As we reflect on nearly 125 years of impact, we do so with pride and with determination. Progress against cancer has always depended on people coming together with a shared purpose – across disciplines and across generations. It has been built through people – researchers, clinicians, supporters and partners – united by a shared determination to save and improve lives for people affected by cancer and their loved ones."
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also attended, with the duke serving as joint president of the charity. Cancer Research UK's work traces back to its predecessor organisations, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (founded 1902) and the Cancer Research Campaign (founded 1923).
