The has made a poignant visit to the hospital where she received her cancer treatment as she and her husband, the , were named its joint royal patrons.

Princess Kate looked stunning in a brown tartan coat with a burgundy outfit underneath as she arrived at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea on Tuesday.

Kate met staff and patients currently receiving treatment at the hospital and spoke to them about their own cancer journey. She even met Scout, the on-hand Pets As Therapy dog. It had not been previously disclosed that Kate, who underwent chemotherapy last year, was treated at the Marsden - a world-leading state-of-the-art cancer centre known for its pioneering research.

As she arrived at the hospital's main entrance, the princess said: "I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it's quite nice."

It is understood the visit was an opportunity for the Princess to personally thank the staff for their care, support and compassion over what has been a challenging year .

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides."

One woman told the princess as she sat with patients and their families on the ward: "I think you've managed the children amazingly well."

Kate replied: "Oh that's kind."

She added: "The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently."

As she left, Kate hugged 57-year-old Rebecca Mendelhson, who is on trial for secondary cancer - breast and liver and looked emotional after they spoke about "patients receiving treatment".

She also spoke to Tina Adumou, who's got a 19-year-old daughter in ICU and got emotional after telling the royal about it.

Putting an arm around her, Kate said: "I'm sorry. I wish there was more I could do to help. I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that's going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time."

Kate added, "Are you okay? Yes?" then said, smiling, "There is light at the end of that tunnel. It's very nice to meet you. Best of luck.

"You are in the best of hands."

The visit to the Marsden comes two days before the first anniversary of Kate's admittance to the London Clinic for major abdominal surgery on January 16 2024.

She spent nearly two weeks in hospital after the operation and was recuperating at home when she was told she had cancer and had to begin chemotherapy. She took a break from royal duties as she underwent treatment.

In September, she announced her treatment had been completed and that she was looking forward to easing herself back into royal life.

did not join his wife as it is understood the Princess wanted to make the visit on her own to reflect on her personal journey.

The heir to the throne previously described 2024 as "brutal" and probably "the hardest year" of his life, with his father, the King, also diagnosed with the disease.

Following the royal's visit, it was announced that William and Kate had become joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

It is understood the Princess is looking forward to supporting the trust's work in advancing cancer care, treatment and research, as well as learning more about how it can benefit patients in the future.

has been president of the Royal Marsden since 2007 after taking on the role from his late mother, Princess Diana.

In June 2023, he opened the trust's Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton.

Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning, and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in becoming joint patrons of our specialist cancer centre.

"We are incredibly fortunate to receive royal patronage - it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families."

The Royal Marsden was founded as the Free Cancer Hospital in 1851 by Dr William Marsden.

It was the world's first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education.