Princess Kate and Prince William have released a heartfelt statement following their surprise visit to Charing Cross Hospital on January 8, 2026, expressing profound gratitude to National Health Service (NHS) staff and volunteers for their unwavering dedication amid a challenging winter season. The message, shared via Kensington Palace’s official social media channels, comes just one day before Kate’s 44th birthday and marks the couple’s first joint public engagement of the new year. As joint patrons of NHS Charities Together, the Prince and Princess of Wales used the occasion to spotlight the critical role of charitable support in bolstering healthcare workers and patient care, a cause they’ve championed since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement reads in full: “A huge thank you to NHS staff and volunteers at Charing Cross Hospital, and across the UK, whose tireless efforts continue to change lives, every single day. Proud to be Joint Patrons of @nhscharitiestogether and seeing how it makes a difference to the workforce and patients.” Accompanied by photos and a video montage of the visit, the post highlights the couple’s interactions with hospital staff, patients, and volunteers, emphasizing themes of innovation, care transformation, and staff wellbeing. The video, in particular, captures moments from the neurorehabilitation unit, where the royals engaged with brain injury survivors and caregivers, showcasing the tangible impact of charitable funding.

The unannounced visit to the west London hospital, part of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, was orchestrated to acknowledge the immense pressures faced by healthcare professionals during the winter months, when demand for services surges due to seasonal illnesses. Kensington Palace sources indicated that Kate, 43, was particularly eager to join William, 43, for the outing, viewing it as an opportunity to personally thank those in the medical field— a gesture rooted in her own recent health experiences. Diagnosed with cancer in March 2025 after undergoing abdominal surgery in January of that year, the princess completed chemotherapy and announced her remission in September 2025. Her recovery has been a focal point of public interest, and the hospital visit provided a platform for subtle reflections on her journey.

During the engagement, Kate made a poignant two-word admission about her cancer treatment while conversing with a volunteer who supports chemotherapy patients. When the volunteer described the lengthy hours patients endure during sessions, Kate responded with “I know,” gently touching William’s arm and adding, “We know.” This quiet acknowledgment, interpreted by observers as a reference to her own grueling chemotherapy regimen, resonated deeply, highlighting the empathy she brings to such interactions. William, too, shared personal insights, drawing from his time as an air ambulance pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance from 2015 to 2017. “Both of us have had different experiences with hospital—me working with the air ambulance, Catherine with her recent health journey—and coming here today and reminding ourselves just how important all the teams are, all the staff, the patients, the interactions,” he told a group during a roundtable discussion.

The couple’s activities at the hospital were multifaceted, blending direct engagement with strategic advocacy. They began with a surprise appearance in the staff canteen during a tea break, where they chatted with employees about the strains of the winter virus season and the importance of mental health support. From there, they toured the rehabilitation unit, witnessing innovative programs funded by Imperial Health Charity, which aids all five hospitals in the trust. In the gym area, Kate introduced her husband in a notably humble manner to a patient, saying simply, “This is William,” without invoking his royal titles—a move that drew praise for its relatability. William lightened the moment by joking, “We’ve come to interrupt your gym session,” eliciting smiles and laughter.

The visit culminated in a roundtable hosted by Ellie Orton OBE, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, bringing together charity leaders, trustees, policymakers, philanthropists, clinicians, patients, and volunteers. Discussions focused on how philanthropic contributions—totaling £1.5 million daily across more than 220 member charities—fund essential resources like cutting-edge equipment, new facilities, outdoor spaces, arts programs, and community prevention initiatives. The couple emphasized the “bond between patient and carer,” with Kate praising the “kindness and compassion” evident in the staff’s work.

Kate’s attire for the day—a burgundy trouser suit paired with a matching blouse—reflected a professional yet approachable style, complementing the event’s tone. The princess, who has gradually resumed duties since her remission announcement, appeared energetic and engaged, bonding with volunteers over shared stories of patient support. One such interaction involved a volunteer working with chemotherapy patients, prompting Kate’s empathetic response. William, meanwhile, highlighted the broader impact of charitable work, noting how it “drives innovation and transforms care.”

Public reaction to the statement and visit has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media users commending the royals’ humility and dedication. On X (formerly Twitter), posts praised Kate’s informal introduction of William, with one user writing, “I love how she introduces her husband, ‘This is William’, no titles, no protocol.” Others focused on the emotional weight of her health admission, viewing it as a sign of her ongoing vulnerability and strength. The palace’s Instagram post garnered thousands of likes and comments within hours, with fans expressing admiration for the couple’s advocacy.

This engagement builds on the Waleses’ longstanding commitment to healthcare causes. They assumed patronage of NHS Charities Together during the pandemic, maintaining close ties ever since. Kate’s personal health battle has amplified her voice in this arena; in a September 2025 video message, she spoke candidly about the “complex, scary and unpredictable” nature of cancer, emphasizing family and support systems. William has been vocal about his role as her “pillar of strength,” a sentiment echoed in Kate’s hospital comments.

The timing of the visit, on the eve of Kate’s birthday, adds a layer of personal significance. Sources close to the family indicate she plans a low-key celebration at their Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall, with children Prince George, 12; Princess Charlotte, 10; and Prince Louis, 7. As the monarchy evolves under King Charles III’s reign, such outings underscore a focus on service over ceremony, aligning with the “slimmed-down” model.

Looking ahead, the couple’s calendar includes potential international trips, including to the U.S., centered on philanthropy and environmental issues via William’s Earthshot Prize. Kate’s gradual return to full duties, including her annual Christmas carol service in December 2025, signals resilience amid recovery.

In issuing this statement, Kate and William not only honor frontline workers but also humanize the royal institution. As one volunteer told reporters post-visit, “Their genuine interest made a real difference.” With winter pressures persisting, the royals’ spotlight on NHS support arrives at a crucial juncture, potentially galvanizing further public and philanthropic backing.

As of January 9, 2026, no further updates have been released, but the statement’s warmth continues to reverberate, reinforcing the couple’s role as modern advocates for health and compassion in Britain.