The Princess of Wales also spoke about how “kindness and compassion” make a huge difference in the patient experience

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world’s most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Kate Middleton at Charing Cross Hospital on Jan. 8, 2026.

Kate Middleton likened long stays in the hospital to the repetition of Groundhog Day in a candid comment following her treatment for cancer in 2024.

The Princess of Wales, 44, drew the parallel in conversation with a patient while visiting Charing Cross Hospital in west London on Jan. 8 with Prince William. Princess Kate made a surprise appearance at the engagement, which marked a joint return to work with her husband as they kicked off 2026.

The Prince and Princess of Wales toured the hospital’s neuro-rehabilitation center, where patients used a therapeutic gym and arts and crafts activities center.

“You need medical support but also a holistic approach,” she told a patient who was able to leave his ward for therapy, according to reports.

She also equated staying in the hospital for long periods to Groundhog Day, referencing the 1993 comedy starring Bill Murray and Andie McDowell. In the movie, Murray’s weatherman character gets stuck in a time loop while reporting on Groundhog Day, reliving the holiday over and over.

Kate Middleton speaks to a patient at Charing Cross Hospital on Jan. 8, 2026.Isabel Infantes – WPA Pool/Getty

The remark was one of several personal comments that Kate made at Charing Cross Hospital, which she and William visited as joint patrons of NHS Charities Together.

“Creativity and nature played such a huge part in my recovery journey,” she told a patient about how “fantastic” it was to have accommodations for holistic care.

Prince William and Kate Middleton at Charing Cross Hospital on Jan. 8, 2026.Isabel Infantes / POOL / AFP via Getty

Elsewhere during the visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales heard from volunteers about their experiences at the hospital and interacting with patients, which Kate described as “quite daunting.”

“So you’ve got have that support from you as a team,” she said. “From a patient’s experience, it’s important things not in [the] job description,” such as “kindness and compassion.”

Princess Kate’s candor shed new light on what helped her own health journey and recovery. In January 2024, the palace announced that Kate had had a planned abdominal surgery. She stayed in the hospital for two weeks before being discharged to continue her recuperation at home.

That March, the Princess of Wales shared that she was undergoing treatment for cancer and reduced her royal duties to prioritize her health.

In September 2024, she shared that she completed chemotherapy treatment, and in January 2025, she announced with “relief” that she was in remission.

Prince William and Kate Middleton at Charing Cross Hospital on Jan. 8, 2026.Isabel Infantes – WPA Pool/Getty

Princess Kate emotionally reflected on how the healing power of nature uplifted her in a new video released for her 44th birthday on Jan. 9, the day after her hospital outing with her husband. The royal couple visited to highlight the work of NHS staff and volunteers as they meet an increased demand for services during the winter months.

“It must be nice to be doing things like this as a distraction from medical things,” Princess Kate said during a stop at an activity area for patients.

“Activities and nature have been a huge part of my recovery journey,” she told another patient.