Kate Middleton sought medical treatment championed by King
Princess Kate has disclosed that she turned to acupuncture as part of her cancer treatment last year, embracing a form of alternative medicine long championed by her father-in-law.
During a visit to Colchester Hospital’s cancer wellbeing centre today, Kate revealed she had tried the traditional Chinese practice, which involves inserting thin needles into specific body points to promote healing and pain relief.
Her decision echoes King Charles’s longstanding support for complementary therapies.
In 2006, the then-Prince of Wales addressed the World Health Organisation, urging medical professionals to incorporate unconventional treatments including acupuncture, chiropractic care and herbal medicines into mainstream healthcare for serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Princess Kate has disclosed that she turned to acupuncture as part of her cancer treatment last year, embracing a form of alternative medicine long championed by her father-in-law.
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King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and is continuing to receive treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Kate spoke candidly about the immense pressure patients face to appear recovered once treatment concludes, telling fellow patients that “everybody expects you to be better – but that’s not the case at all”.
The 43-year-old princess, who is gradually returning to public duties whilst in remission, described how patients often feel compelled to “crack on, get back to normal” after completing treatment.
She explained: “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment’s done, then it’s like ‘I can crack on, get back to normal’ but actually the phase afterwards is really difficult.”
During a visit to Colchester Hospital’s cancer wellbeing centre today, Kate revealed she had tried the traditional Chinese practice.
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Kate characterised her cancer journey as a “very scary, very daunting experience” that extends well beyond the end of medical treatment.
Kate shared these insights whilst meeting cancer patients and volunteers at the wellbeing centre, where she participated in planting roses in a therapeutic garden designed to offer visitors tranquillity.
The princess emphasised the particular challenges of the post-treatment phase, noting: “You’re not necessarily under the clinical team any longer but you’re not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to.”
Kate concluded that patients must “find your new normal and that takes time”.
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She highlighted the value of support during this transitional period, stating: “Actually someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment I think is really valuable.”
Kate concluded that patients must “find your new normal and that takes time”.
For the engagement, Kate selected a sophisticated ensemble featuring a Blazé Milano beige pinstriped blazer valued at approximately £1,000, paired with a matching shirt.
She completed the look with tailored brown trousers and a black belt, whilst opting for a more relaxed touch by rolling up her sleeves and wearing white trainers. Her engagement ring was also visible.
