We’re delighted to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales have today become Joint Patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
The patronage was announced following a visit by Her Royal Highness to our Chelsea hospital on 14 January 2025, where she spoke to patients and staff about her own cancer journey and her treatment at The Royal Marsden.
During the visit Her Royal Highness met patients currently undergoing treatment in the Diane McCarthy Medical Day Unit as well as those who have participated in clinical trials and staff providing vital care. The Unit is a bright, spacious environment delivering chemotherapy and immunotherapy and was funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. HRH The Princess of Wales thanked staff for all that they do for patients and their families as well as sharing her own cancer journey.
The Princess also heard about some of the additional supportive therapies offered to complement patients’ medical treatment, such as the Emerging from the Haze Programme which has developed resources to better support patients experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Her Royal Highness spoke to patients about the positive impact supportive therapies can have both on their physical and mental health.
Speaking with patients
One of these patients was Peter, a retired primary school headteacher, who was diagnosed with stage 3 myeloma in 2017, and underwent a stem cell transplant at The Royal Marsden. To help manage the side effects of ‘chemo brain’, he was referred to take part in the Emerging from the Haze Programme in 2021, and he found the six-week programme provided him with coping strategies to deal with brain fog and lack of focus.
The Princess also spoke with Tabitha, a breast cancer patient at the hospital, who underwent a lumpectomy, followed by radiotherapy and hormonal therapy.
After Tabitha went into temporary menopause, which was triggered by the hormonal therapy, she struggled with her emotions and experienced brain fog. Thankfully, she was referred to the Emerging From the Haze Programme to help with cognitive impairment and the techniques she learnt have helped her to cope with her treatment.
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.”
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has visited the hospital on many occasions to see first hand the world leading work at The Royal Marsden and the difference it makes for cancer patients and their families across the world. His visits have included officially opening the Oak Cancer Centre, a state-of-the-art research and treatment facility, funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, in 2023.
The difference you make
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to support The Royal Marsden in improving the lives of people affected by cancer. The Royal Marsden was the first hospital in the world dedicated to the study and treatment of cancer.
At The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Funding from the Charity supports our researchers in studies like this one to pioneer research breakthroughs and improve patient care across the world.
The work we fund is revolutionising cancer treatment but we could not achieve this without your support. Find more ways to support research breakthroughs at The Royal Marsden: Ways to support us