Kate Middleton came to the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital to reflect on the importance of the centres “holistic” approach to supporting patients.
The princess, who was diagnosed with cancer in March last year, spoke with those at the centre and described her recovery journey as a “rollercoaster”.
Discussion – The Princess of Wales talking (Image: Stefan Rousseau) She discussed treatment and the importance of these type of cancer care with patients, volunteers and staff today.
Following her visit to the centre, the princess planted several coral-pink Catherine’s Rose plants in the hospital’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Wellbeing Garden.
Planting – The Princess of Wales in action (Image: Stefan Rousseau) The RHS named the flower after Kate to raise awareness of the role that spending time outdoors plays in supporting people’s mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
During her discussion with a group of the centre’s users she said: “It’s life changing for anyone, through first diagnosis or post-treatment.
Arrival – Kate Middleton as she arrived in Colchester (Image: Stefan Rousseau) “It’s a life-changing experience both for the individual patient but also for the families as well and actually it sometimes goes unrecognised.
Ready – Princess of Wales ready to plant the roses (Image: Stefan Rousseau)
“You don’t necessarily, particularly when it’s the first time, you don’t appreciate how much impact it is going to have.
Interest – Many people were present to welcome her (Image: Stefan Rousseau) “You have to find your new normal and that takes time.
“It would be great if lots of communities had this kind of support.”