Kate Middleton’s Outfit During Latest Hospital Visit Was a Tribute to a Difficult Chapter in Her Life
Kate Middleton first revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, after discovering it during post-abdominal surgery. Now in remission, the Princess of Wales made a meaningful appearance at Colchester Hospital, just days after pulling out of Royal Ascot on June 17. During the visit, she spoke candidly about her challenging journey with a life-threatening illness. Notably, Middleton also happened to wear the same outfit she had donned in her powerful June 2024 portrait, which was accompanied by an emotional update on her treatment.
On July 2, Middleton visited Colchester Hospital's RHS Wellbeing Garden to highlight the therapeutic benefits of nature. As reported by the Royal Insider, she wore the same beige pinstriped Blazé Milano blazer seen in her June 2024 health update, when she revealed that she was still undergoing chemotherapy. Her emotional update came with the caption, "I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days, you feel weak, tired, and you have to give in to your body resting." Her choice to repeat the outfit seemed to be a quiet tribute to that moment, symbolizing how far she has come. She also spoke about the emotional toll it took during her visit.
View this post on Instagram
The Princess of Wales called her journey with cancer 'life-changing' for both her and her family. As per People magazine, she said, "Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually, the phase afterward is really, really difficult. You're not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you're not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to." Middleton also emphasized the importance of having support networks and that having someone to 'help talk you through that' is really valuable. She continued, "And it's a roller coaster, it's not smooth, like you expect it to be...But the reality is you go through hard times."
Middleton also expressed how crucial community spaces like the hospital’s garden can be during recovery. She explained, "To have the support network, through creativity and singing or gardening or whatever it might be, is so valuable. It’s great this community has it. It would be great if lots of communities had this kind of support." The Princess of Wales spent time in a specially designed wellbeing garden created to provide a restorative space for patients, NHS staff, and visitors. During her visit, she also joined garden designer Adam Frost to plant some ‘Catherine Rose’ flowers in the soil, adding a personal touch to the tranquil setting.
Middleton’s visit to the hospital came just days after she unexpectedly pulled out of Royal Ascot, despite being listed for the carriage procession. According to reports, the Princess of Wales was working to strike a careful 'balance' between her royal duties and getting the rest she needs during her cancer recovery. Kensington Palace later clarified that her name in the carriage procession lineup was due to an administrative error by the racecourse.