The Princess of Wales opened up about the physical, emotional and psychological changes that can occur as a result of cancer treatment as she visited a specialist centre on Thursday.
Kate, 44, met patients at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester on a surprise trip, discussing how cancer "changes your perspective".
Mother-of-three Kate, who is in remission for an unspecified form of cancer, spent time in the Oak Road Treatment Centre with patients undergoing chemotherapy, speaking candidly and openly about her own experience.
When one patient said he "couldn't have done it without the support of my wife", Kate said: "I was just saying, it's hard for the loved ones."
She added: "You need to support yourself alongside all the things you can't control. Your body changes so much, not just physically, emotionally, but the deeper side of ourselves.
"It puts so much in perspective and you hold onto what's important."
The Christie offers free therapies to patients and carers, which can help alleviate symptoms common with diagnosis, such as stress, depression, fear and worry.
It is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, looking after more than 60,000 patients a year, and serving a population of 3.2 million people from Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas.
© Alamy Stock PhotoA poignant visit
For her visit, the Princess recycled one of her favourite blue coat dresses from Eponine, adding bee earrings as a nod to the symbol of Manchester.
Later, she spoke to former patient Neil Neaverson, 60, who is self-medicating with acupuncture after finding it helpful while being treated at the hospital.
The royal told him: "Cancer diagnosis is deeply personal, being able to tailor it to the patient's needs is fantastic and allows you to live a happy, healthy life beyond treatment and diagnosis. Cancer changes you in so many ways, emotionally and physiologically, too. It changes you in mind, body, and spirit.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceIn the hospital's art room, Kate met resident artist Patricia Mountford and joined an arts and crafts session before viewing the hospital’s garden.
Speaking to Patricia about the importance of "creativity" and recovery, Kate said: "Finding ways, whatever they may be, to explore the change that cancer diagnosis brings and how that deeply personal journey
"Trying to understand that deep sense of self, creativity is such a wonderful way to explore that. Everyone’s cancer journey is so deeply personal."
Joining a celebration
The Princess joined family and staff in congratulating Claire Lorente, 30, who rang a bell on the unit to mark completing her chemotherapy treatment.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe ceremony came as a welcome surprise for Claire, her partner Pablo and son Enzo – and marked a very emotional moment.
Kate hugged Ms Lorente and told her: "Well done, you. What a journey. It’s been a tough one, yeah? You have done brilliantly. Well done."
She also embraced Pablo and said: "Well done. It’s just as hard for the family and loved ones." She said to Enzo: "Isn’t mummy brave."
© Getty ImagesKate then joined well-wishers in encouraging Claire to ring the bell as she said: "You can do it."
Prince William's wife, who is mother to George, Charlotte and Louis, revealed at the start of last year she was in remission after receiving chemotherapy treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
