London
CNN
—

Catherine, Princess of Wales, had a deeply personal visit on Tuesday The London hospital where she underwent cancer treatment to express their gratitude to the staff who have supported her over the past year.

The Princess of Wales made a poignant visit to the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Chelsea, west London, where she met medical teams and spoke to patients currently receiving treatment, Kensington Palace said.

The palace also announced that Catherine will become joint patron of the specialist cancer center alongside her husband, Prince William.

Tuesday’s unannounced visit was her first solo engagement of the year as the queen continues her gradual return to public duties.

“The Princess wanted to make the trip to show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also to highlight the world-leading care and treatment at Marsden,” a Kensington Palace spokesman said.

The king, who is it too known as Kate, stepped down from her public duties last year to undergo treatment for an unspecified cancer. In September, she announced she had completed chemotherapy and said she would “do what I can to stay cancer-free.”

Last week, Prince William praised his wife and mother of their three children as she celebrated her 43rd birthday, saying: “The The strength you have shown over the last year has been remarkable.”

When it opened in 1851, the Royal Marsden was the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education. Today the facility remains a world-leading cancer center.

Prince William has held the role of president of the hospital since 2007, a role previously held by his late mother Diana.

He is understood to be a joint royal patron that Kate will support the hospital’s work in advancing cancer research, treatment and care and learn more about how this can benefit patients in the future.

“We are incredibly fortunate to receive the royal patronage – it is inspiring for staff and patients and allows us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff do every day for patients and their families,” said the chief executive of the Hospital, Cally Palmer.