Kate and King Charles III appeared together at a cancer awareness event.

More than two years after announcing her cancer diagnosis, Princess Kate and King Charles III made their first joint appearance at a cancer research event in London.

On the evening of June 2nd, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Princess Kate attended a reception at St James’s Palace in London, celebrating the 125th anniversary of Cancer Research UK. This marked the first time Kate and the King had attended an official event focused on cancer since both publicly announced their diagnoses in 2024.

The reception was also attended by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Members of the royal family met with researchers, doctors, volunteers, and participants in the organization’s cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment programs.

At the event, Kate wore a red dress with white heart patterns by Rodarte. This was her first public appearance after several weeks away from home to spend time with her children during the school break.

The Princess also spoke with Sebastian Bowen, husband of the late journalist Deborah James. Deborah James, known as “BowelBabe,” gained attention for publicly sharing her battle with terminal bowel cancer before her death in 2022.

The reception also featured models and technology simulating advancements in cancer research over the past 125 years, and kicked off a series of events celebrating a significant milestone for Cancer Research UK.

This year, King Charles III, 77 years old, continues to receive treatment for an unspecified form of cancer. His diagnosis will be announced by the British royal family in February 2024. At the end of 2025, the King stated that his condition is progressing well and the intensity of treatment will be reduced this year.

A month after the King publicly revealed his health status, Princess Kate also disclosed that she is undergoing cancer treatment. For much of 2024, Kate limited her public appearances to focus on her recovery. In September of that year, she announced the completion of chemotherapy and confirmed in January 2025 that her disease was in remission.

King Charles III became a patron of Cancer Research UK in 2024, shortly after returning to royal duties following his cancer diagnosis. This organization is now one of the world’s largest cancer research funds, contributing to breakthroughs in detection, treatment, and prevention, helping to double the survival rate of cancer patients in the UK over the past 50 years.

Royal observers believe that their shared experience battling cancer further strengthened the already close relationship between the King and his daughter-in-law. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith once remarked that Kate was like “the daughter the King never had,” adding that facing the illness together further solidified their bond.