The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance alongside the Prince of Wales during a visit to Charing Cross Hospital on Thursday, marking their first public engagement of 2026. The couple met NHS staff and volunteers to thank them for their efforts over a difficult winter period.
Kensington Palace said Kate, who turns 44 on Friday, 'wanted to join her husband to show her support for the NHS and to thank the teams at Charing Cross for their efforts'. The visit comes just days before the first anniversary of the princess's announcement that she was in remission from cancer.
William and Kate, joint patrons of NHS Charities Together, surprised healthcare workers during their tea break and discussed pressures faced during the winter virus season. They also met volunteers from Imperial Health Charity, who support patients including those undergoing chemotherapy.
The couple later joined a roundtable with NHS charity leaders and policymakers to discuss philanthropy's role in the health service. Kate was last seen publicly on Christmas Day at Sandringham. The family recently moved to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park after a change of residence in the autumn.
