PRINCESS Kate and Prince William surprised NHS heroes as they arrived during health staff’s tea break today – to thank them for their hard work during winter.
The Prince of Wales was due to visit Charing Cross Hospital on his own for first engagement since the Christmas break to show support as hospitals deal with huge numbers of patients during winter.
But in a last minute change, he was joined by the Princess of Wales who celebrates her 44th birthday tomorrow, at the hospital in west London.
The visit was the royal couple’s first engagement of 2026.
The Princess of Wales bonded with a volunteer who worked with chemotherapy patients who told them how patients and visitors are often there at bedside “for hours”.
Kate, whose cancer is in remission, said: “I know”
Then touched Prince William’s arm next her and said: “We know.”
William also sat with NHS charity CEO’s, Trustees and health leaders to chat about philanthropy in the NHS.
It is understood the joint visit was to acknowledge the incredible work of NHS staff over a difficult winter period.
They stunned hard working health heroes after arriving in the canteen.
Then joined a surprise tea party for volunteers and staff to daybreak to say thank you for their hard work.
Volunteers said ‘wow’ as William and Kate, in a burgundy suit, arrived.
William said: “Happy New Year.”
And joking checked his watch and said: “Can we still say that?”
Maureen Gilmour, 86, who has been a volunteer for three years and works on chemotherapy and she said “People sit there for hours.”
Kate said: “I know”
Then touched William and said: “We know.”
Maureen added: “They are so sweet everyone really positive I have to say I love it.”
The volunteers spoke about their working days and dealing with patients.
Kate spoke about it being “quite a daunting experience.
And said: “So you’ve got have that support from you as a team.”
Kate added: “From a patients experience it’s important things not in job description such kindness and as compassion.”
William hailed the for being “diligent” and Kate celebrated the “interaction” between patients and volunteers.
William said: “You should be very proud of giving your time and knowing what to say and not way to say is a skill.”
Kate spoke about “the difference it makes for patients.”
The tea party room was paid for by Imperial Health Charity, which is a member of NHS Charities Together, which Kate and William are patrons.
Their morale-boosting drop-in was also planned go highlight the vital work of NHS Charities Together, of which The Prince and Princess are Joint Patrons.
They took on the role during the COVID pandemic.
Kate, who 13 months ago revealed her cancer was in remission. and Wills gave the surprise helping hand at a London hospital amid warnings of NHS responding to increased demand over winter.
They also joined activities for patients in neuro-rehabilitation, including a therapy gym and arts room and serenaded by a harpist, funded by the charity.
They later sat with NHS charity CEO’s, Trustees and health leaders to chat about philanthropy in the NHS.
NHS Charities Together represents over 220 NHS charities based in every NHS Trust and Health Board across the UK, giving £1.5 million every day to the NHS, for innovation, care and support staff wellbeing.
Money is invested in state-of-the-art equipment, buildings, green spaces and arts projects.
It was hosted by Ellie Orton OBE, CEO of NHS Charities Together, with clinicians, patients and volunteers
In late November, the Prince of Wales visited severely ill children from Gaza who are being treated by the NHS in the UK.
The public health service started offering specialist care to children from the war-torn strip in September this year as part of a UK government humanitarian mission.
Fifty children are receiving treatment in Britain as of November 21, Department of Health and Social Care statistics said.
The Prince of Wales had been “moved by the courage shown by the children and their families”, a Kensington Palace spokesman said.
It comes after Kate and Wills handed a New Year’s gong to their long-serving nanny.
Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo has been handed a silver Royal Victorian Medal for services to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Spanish-born nanny has cared for George, Charlotte and Louis since joining the Royal Household in 2014.
