Princess Kate and King Charles unite at St James's Palace to champion cancer research – as it happened
Princess Kate, who finished chemotherapy last year, stands alongside King Charles, who continues his own treatment, as the royals mark Cancer Research UK's 125th anniversary.
Started Jun 2, 2026·12 updates
What we know so far
Hosted by King Charles at St James's Palace, marking 125 years of Cancer Research UK
Kate's attendance was announced at the last minute, just hours before the event
Deeply personal — Kate is in remission, while Charles is still undergoing treatment
They viewed immersive installations on how technology is transforming cancer research
Princess Kate unwittingly becomes the showstopper of the evening
The Princess of Wales has always been understanding of the royal machinery and has stood as a loyal team member of the monarchy over the past 15 years.
However, on Tuesday evening, she inadvertently overshadowed Queen Camilla at the Cancer Research UK reception. The princess had pulled out all stops to ensure the significance of the event wasn't forgotten. She ditched her usual understated style and donned a striking red midi dress that stole the show.
The cause behind the reception was close to Princess Kate's heart, and it must have been a very poignant occasion for her, as she herself has battled through cancer over the past few years. Despite her own painful memories, the beloved royal was all smiles as she interacted with the attendees.
Davina McCall heaps praise on Princess Kate and King Charles
Popular TV presenter, Davina McCall, had also attended the Cancer Research UK reception on Tuesday. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer last year and underwent surgery in April, before thankfully receiving the "all clear" signal from the doctor.
Speaking at the event, she told the Press Association, "It was a really wonderful exchange, and they (the King, Queen and Princess) are all wonderful."
McCall further appreciated Princess Kate and King Charles' bravery in their fight against the disease, while dealing with public pressure. "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," she added.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester make a rare public appearance
As joint presidents of the charity, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester made a rare public appearance to support the Cancer Research UK reception at St. James Palace on Tuesday.
King Charles and Princess Kate undoubtedly must have felt more supported while hosting such an important function.
The Princess of Wales owns one of the most iconic engagement rings, and she never leaves an opportunity to flaunt it. Quite understandable!
The 44-year-old wore the stunning sapphire ring at the Cancer Research UK reception on Tuesday. The beautiful blue color paired perfectly with Princess Kate's striking red midi dress. The tiny heart print of the dress was the icing on the cake.
Queen Camilla was spotted in conversation with mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry at the reception at St James's Palace. Fry, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018 and has since spoken candidly about her experience, brought both personal and academic insight to the gathering. She has long used her platform to communicate science and medicine to the public.
King Charles was seen in warm conversation with singer Ronan Keating and his wife Storm at the Cancer Research UK anniversary reception at St James's Palace on Monday evening. Keating, whose first wife Marie died of breast cancer in 2015, has long been a supporter of cancer causes, making the exchange with the King, who is himself undergoing cancer treatment, a particularly poignant one.
Fashion critics take note! Princess Kate just debuted a new outfit! The Princess of Wales is usually a diligent fashion recycler, often repeating her outfits with a few tweaks and upgrades here and there. However, for the charity cancer reception, the style icon chose a brand-new Rodarte dress, which she obviously had never worn before.
The beloved royal might speak many languages, but she is rather fluent in the language of fashion. 'Cause she just said, 'This is an important event,' without saying, 'This is an important event.'
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Cancer Research UK reception
King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at the Cancer Research UK reception at St James's Palace, where the monarch — himself undergoing cancer treatment — and the Queen paused to explore immersive displays, including a virtual reality experience showcasing the latest advances in cancer research.
Princess Kate has arrived at the Cancer Research UK reception at St. James Palace!
She is an absolute vision in a beautiful polka-dotted red dress with white collars. The fashion icon completed her look with a red clutch and matching heels.
Princess Kate, King Charles, and Queen Camilla will be shown immersive installations showcasing Cancer Research UK's work. There will also be visual representations of how technological advancements are evolving cancer research. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will also attend, with the Duke being a joint president of the charity.
Joining forces for a cause close to both their hearts
In recent times, Princess Kate and her father-in-law, King Charles, have both fought uphill battles with cancer. While the Princess of Wales has been in remission since last year, the monarch is reportedly responding “exceptionally well to treatment”. Both will join forces on Tuesday evening to host a cancer charity reception at St. James' Palace in London. They will be accompanied by Queen Camilla.
Charles is a patron of Cancer Research UK, and the reception will be in honor of the charity’s 125th anniversary. The royal trio will expectably meet researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and partners involved in the organization’s prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Ira Deokule
