During a recent visit to the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, the Princess of Wales candidly engaged with cancer patients, drawing on her personal experience with chemotherapy treatment. This heartfelt encounter, which took place in early June 2026, highlighted the ways in which Princess Kate had managed some of the more challenging side effects of her treatment.
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The Princess, now 44 years old, reflected on the difficulties she faced in concentrating and reading while undergoing chemotherapy. In a video shared on social media, she noted, “I don’t know about you, but I didn’t have the ability to read or really focus on anything.” This admission resonated with many patients experiencing similar struggles. To help cope with these challenges, she turned to creativity as an escape, stating that colouring provided her with a sense of play and the freedom to lose herself in the moment.
Describing her approach, Princess Kate explained, “Colouring was my way of exploring interesting things and being able to do something that did not require an end product, or an end finished piece. [It was] just a way of playing and losing yourself.” This method of distraction is not uncommon among individuals undergoing cancer treatments, many of whom report experiencing symptoms often referred to as “chemo fog” or “chemo brain.” These can include cognitive dysfunction and issues with focus, typically attributed to a combination of treatment effects, stress, pain, and sleep disturbances.
After announcing her cancer diagnosis in January 2024, Princess Kate completed her chemotherapy by September of the same year and proudly declared herself in remission the following January. Her successful return to royal duties marks a significant milestone not just for her personally, but also for those who look to her as a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
The Princess has long held a passion for art, having studied art history at the University of St Andrews, from which she graduated in 2005. Her artistic interests were previously acknowledged by her husband, Prince William, who revealed in 2016 that his wife had a fondness for adult colouring books. Illustrating this point further, renowned illustrator Johanna Basford shared how William mentioned Kate’s enjoyment of her book, “Secret Garden,” which resonated with many fans of both the book and the Princess.
Interestingly, in the wake of Kate’s admiration for art, a Kate-themed colouring book was made available for purchase at Kensington Palace. This further signals the Princess’s commitment to nurturing creativity in both herself and those around her.
As a mother to three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8—Princess Kate has also shared glimpses of her children’s artistic talents. Last year, she highlighted their drawings of her in relation to her initiative, Shaping Us, which emphasizes the importance of play and creativity in childhood development. Through this initiative, she aims to demonstrate how social and emotional skills evolve during early childhood, shaping individuals throughout their lives.
She explained in an Instagram post, “Drawing portraits with children can provide a moment of connection as you spend time looking at and focusing on one another, as well as being creative and—most importantly—having lots of fun together!” This sentiment encapsulates her belief in the power of art as a tool for building family bonds and fostering emotional intelligence.
Last autumn, during a visit to the National Federation of Women’s Institutes in London, Princess Kate further elaborated on her hobbies, underscoring how crafting and making have aided her in forming connections with others. Not only does she actively engage in these creative pursuits, but she also encourages her children to embrace crafting. She shared how George, Charlotte, and Louis had filled their summer by engaging in various craft projects around their home.
The Princess’s openness about her experiences and her advocacy for creativity serve to inspire many, particularly those undergoing similar health challenges. Through her efforts, she not only highlights the therapeutic benefits of creative activities but also reinforces the importance of community support and connection during difficult times. With her passion for art, combined with her royal duties and motherhood, Princess Kate continues to forge meaningful narratives that resonate with the public and offer encouragement to those faced with adversity.