Princess Kate delighted fans as she broke the cover after a health break, visiting patients at a cancer well-being centre at Colchester Hospital.
The Princess of Wales spoke with patients and staff on a visit to the The Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) wellbeing garden at the hospital.
The future Queen’s visit coincides with the donation of 50 Catherine’s Rose plants, named after the princess by the RHS with funds from sales going to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Kensington Palace confirmed by sharing adorable pictures of Prince Catherine and the beautiful rose, announcing: “Celebrating the healing power of nature at the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital. Wonderful to see Catherine’s Rose planted here. 50 have been donated to support staff and patients, and bring moments of peace.
RHS bestowed the name Catherine’s Rose on the flower to raise awareness of the role that spending time outdoors plays in supporting people’s mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
RHS director general Clare Matterson said: “As well as supporting the incredible work of The Royal Marsden, Catherine’s Rose will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal.
“We know how important this message is as every day we see how accessing nature and being outside is vital for our health and happiness.
“Crucially too, Harkness Roses has done a wonderful job breeding this spectacular rose that is going to bring so much joy to all our nation’s gardeners and keep our precious pollinators buzzing too. It’s a really special rose.”
Catherine, who revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer in March last year, underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy and announced in September that she had completed her treatment.
She made a surprise visit in January to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was treated and revealed she was in remission. The floribunda rose, bred by Harkness Roses, has coral-pink blooms with a scent of Turkish Delight and mango.
The RHS said its flowers will attract pollinators and will thrive in a mixed border, as a hedge, in a large container or in a rose bed.
Kate Middleton also promised to helping to plant roses in a garden designed to help visitors find peace.
Revealing the bitter truth about her cancer journey, Princess Catherine said treatment is ‘very scary, very daunting experience.’
She also spoke of the pressure of putting on a ‘brave face’ through cancer treatment and recovery, where ‘everybody expects you to be better – go! But that’s not the case at all’.
The Princess, who is continuing her return to public life while in remission from cancer, said it was the ‘very scary, very daunting experience.’
She admitted that “it did not end with the conclusion of treatment, with patients needing to take time to find their ‘new normal.
The Princess is gradually returning to work after shockingly cancelling an appearance at Royal Ascot.