Kate Middleton has revealed that cancer treatment sometimes left her unable to read or concentrate, leading her to seek comfort in a simpler creative activity.
The Princess of Wales discussed the experience while meeting patients at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester on June 4. Video from the visit began circulating again in July, offering a personal account of how treatment affected her ability to focus.
“I didn’t have the ability to read or really focus on anything,” Kate said during a conversation about the activities patients used to occupy themselves.
She turned instead to coloring, which allowed her to be creative without the pressure of completing a polished piece.
Coloring Gave Kate a Creative Outlet Without Pressure
View this post on Instagram
Kate said coloring allowed her to explore ideas while doing something that did not require an “end product” or finished result. She described it as “just a way of playing and losing yourself.”
The activity required less sustained concentration than reading and gave her a manageable way to engage with art during treatment. Creativity was already familiar territory for Kate, who studied art history at the University of St Andrews.
Prince William previously revealed that his wife enjoyed adult coloring books, including Johanna Basford’s Secret Garden. Kate has also incorporated drawing, photography and other creative activities into projects involving her children and her early-childhood work.
The Christie Visit Highlighted Support Beyond Clinical Treatment
View this post on Instagram
Kate shared the story while visiting The Christie’s chemotherapy unit, art room, wellbeing garden and Teenage and Young Adult unit. The Manchester cancer center provides complementary and holistic services alongside clinical care, including art classes, massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and emotional and spiritual support.
During the art session, Kate met patients and learned how creative expression could help them process treatment and recovery. She also spoke with people receiving chemotherapy and met Claire Lorente, a young mother marking the completion of her treatment.
The Christie said its art room and complementary therapies are funded through its charity and provided free to patients and caregivers. The center treats more than 60,000 patients annually and serves Greater Manchester and surrounding areas.
Kate Completed Chemotherapy in September 2024
Kate announced in March 2024 that cancer had been found following abdominal surgery and that her medical team had advised a course of preventive chemotherapy. She did not disclose the type or stage of cancer.
In September 2024, she announced that she had completed chemotherapy after what she described as an extraordinarily difficult nine months for her family. Kate said in January 2025 that she was in remission and was focused on continuing her recovery.