Princess Catherine has offered a rare glimpse into the support she received from Prince William during her cancer journey while attending a major cancer research event alongside King Charles III. The Princess of Wales, 44, joined King Charles III, Queen Camilla and other senior royals at St James's Palace on Tuesday evening to celebrate Cancer Research UK's 125th anniversary. The event carried particular significance for both Catherine and the King, who were diagnosed with undisclosed forms of cancer just weeks apart in 2024.
A Heartfelt Conversation
During the reception, the Princess spent time speaking with researchers, clinicians, volunteers and families whose lives have been touched by cancer. One particularly moving conversation took place with Sebastian Bowen, the widower of the late Dame Deborah James, who died from incurable bowel cancer in 2022. Speaking with Catherine, Bowen told her: "I've been thinking about you guys a lot." The Princess reflected on the lasting legacy of Dame Deborah's work and listened as Bowen described how it had been "bittersweet" to surpass fundraising targets for research and clinical trials that his wife had long hoped to achieve.
According to The Mail UK, Bowen also appeared to thank William for a compassionate conversation he had with the couple's two children. Catherine smiled and replied, "He's good like that." Afterwards, Bowen said he had told the Princess he was "incredibly touched that they as a family had been so supportive and thought about them all the time."
Family Support
Dame Deborah's father, Alistair James, also met the Princess and later praised her warmth and sincerity. "It is the first time I've met Catherine, she was genuine and warm. I've met William and I have a lot of respect for both of them," he said. The reception attracted a number of high-profile guests, including broadcaster and cancer survivor Davina McCall, DJ and broadcaster Adele Roberts, and singer Ronan Keating, whose mother died from cancer. Keating and his Australian wife, Storm, also shared a light-hearted exchange with the Princess. "Please say hi to William," Keating told her, while Storm added: "he's such a gent." "Yeah, we love him," Keating said, while Catherine laughed and replied, "So do I."
Personal Insights
The Princess, who stunned in a red polka-dot Rodarte midi dress valued at £1,600 (AUD$3000), seldom speaks publicly about her cancer experience. However, she has previously acknowledged the crucial support she received from William and her family throughout her treatment. Earlier this year, Catherine and William made a surprise visit to Charing Cross Hospital in west London, where they met volunteers who provide support to chemotherapy patients and their families. When one volunteer remarked that loved ones often remain by patients' bedsides "for hours", Catherine responded: "I know." In a poignant moment, she then placed a hand on William's arm and added: "We know."
The event highlighted the royal family's deep personal connection to cancer research, with both Catherine and the King continuing to advocate for advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment. While Catherine announced in January 2025 that she was in remission, the 77-year-old monarch continues to undergo treatment.
