The Princess of Wales has brought a touch of festive magic to a London hospital that holds profound personal significance for her. Kate has donated a magnificent Christmas tree from her annual carol service to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton.
A Personal Gesture of Support
The gift is deeply meaningful as the Princess received preventative chemotherapy at The Royal Marsden following her own cancer diagnosis in 2024. She announced she was in remission in January of this year. The majestic tree was originally decorated for her Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 5. The event, now in its fifth year, was attended by senior royals, Kate's children, and celebrities including Kate Winslet and Katie Melua.
Hospital staff expressed their gratitude on Instagram, writing: 'Thank you to HRH The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden with HRH The Prince of Wales, for donating a majestic Christmas tree from the "Together at Christmas" Carol Service.' They also thanked Stephen Phair of Premier Plants for donating and beautifully arranging the decorations.
Continuing Support for the Cancer Community
This is not the first time Kate has shown support for cancer charities this festive season. Earlier in December, she made a poignant visit to the Ever After Garden art installation in Chelsea, which raises funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The installation features over 30,000 illuminated white roses in memory of those lost to cancer.
In a post on her social media, the Princess stated: 'Every flower, every light, is a memory held together, an illumination of shared love, remembrance, and hope.' She left a handwritten note that read: 'In loving memory of all those who have lost their lives to cancer. C.' Since opening in 2019, the garden has raised more than £1.2 million for the hospital charity.
The stunning donated tree is now on display in the entrance of the Oak Cancer Centre at the hospital's Sutton branch. This tradition of gifting decorations from royal events is well-established; following the State visit of French President Emmanuel Macron this year, flowers were donated to the Floral Angels charity.
Royal Family Health Updates
Kate's heartfelt actions come as King Charles also received positive health news. The King was said to be 'deeply touched' by the public reaction after announcing his cancer treatment would be significantly scaled back in the New Year. Although not officially in remission, Buckingham Palace confirmed he has responded to treatment 'exceptionally well' and will enter a 'precautionary phase'.
The Royal Marsden responded to the Princess's visit to the Ever After Garden, noting that the festive period can be a time of mixed emotions and that the garden provides an important opportunity for 'quiet reflection'. Royal fans have widely praised Kate for using her platform to bring attention to such vital causes during the Christmas season.
