The Prince and Princess of Wales returned to work after the Christmas break to visit Charing Cross Hospital in West London to meet NHS staff and volunteers who are working through the difficult winter period

The Princess of Wales has made a surprise appearance with Prince William to visit a hospital and thank NHS staff for their hard work during the difficult winter months. Prince William was due to visit Charing Cross Hospital on his own for the 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. It is understood the joint visit was to acknowledge the incredible work of NHS staff over a difficult winter period. There Kate bonded with a volunteer who worked with chemotherapy patients who told them how patients and visitors are there “for hours”.

Kate, whose cancer is in remission, said: “I know”. Then touched William’s arm next to her and said: “We know.” It came as they stunned hard working health heroes after arriving in the canteen.

There they joined a surprise tea party for volunteers and staff 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, he checked his watch and said: “Can we still say that?” Maureen Gilmour, 86, who has been a volunteer for three years and works on the chemotherapy unit said: “People sit there for hours.” Kate said: “I know”, then touched William and said: “We know.”

Maureen added: “They are so sweet, everyone is 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 to have that support from you as a team.” Kate added: “From a patient’s experience it’s important things not in job description such as kindness and compassion.”

William hailed the team 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 to 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 12 months ago revealed her cancer was in remission, and William made the surprise appearance at the 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.