Press release posted 8 June 2026
The Christie Charity was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Christie hospital on Thursday (4 June 2026), where she learned more about the charity-funded services helping people live well with and beyond cancer.
During her visit to The Christie’s Withington site, The Princess met patients, staff and volunteers and saw first-hand how charity-funded wellbeing services are supporting patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.
The visit began in The Christie’s chemotherapy unit, built with funds raised by The Christie Charity, where The Princess spoke with patients undergoing treatment, members of the spiritual care team and patients benefiting from complementary therapies funded by The Christie Charity.
She then visited the Charity-funded art room and joined a creative session with patients. The Princess heard how art and creativity can help people process their experiences, improve wellbeing and support recovery during and after treatment.
Moving outside into the garden, another space made possible through The Christy Charity funding, Head Gardener Phill Walker shared how the garden provides a peaceful environment where patients, families and staff can pause, reflect and find moments of calm away from clinical settings.
The Princess concluded her visit in The Christie’s Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Unit, funded by The Christie Charity, where she met young patients, their families and staff. She learned more about the social, emotional and recreational support available to young people facing cancer including a gym and music room - all made possible through the generous and dedicated fundraising efforts of Christie Charity supporters.
Speaking about the services she had seen during her visit, Her Royal Highness said: “The Christie’s commitment to holistic care, from art therapy and wellbeing spaces to emotional and spiritual support, helps people navigate not only illness, but the profound impact it can have on quality of life. These services empower patients to play an active role in their recovery and wellbeing, reminding us that care should always be centred on the whole person."
Speaking to Christie Charity Staff, Her Royal Highness said: “The Christie Charity is doing a truly fantastic job. The facilities and wellbeing offer here is extraordinary. I've spoken to some of the patients today and having these extra services is making a huge difference for them. Best of luck with your Scanning Centre Appeal."
Louise Hadley, Chief Executive of The Christie Charity, said: “The Christie Charity is proud to fund emotional and mental health wellbeing support offers for patients alongside their clinical care, while also funding the build of crucial clinical departments such as the TYA and chemotherapy unit.
"The generous and dedicated fundraising efforts of our incredible supporters continues to help patients feel more comfortable, relaxed and cared for during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
"We are incredibly proud to have welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to a range of Charity funded wellbeing offers and would like to once again recognise our supporters for making it possible. Because of them, The Christie can continue its mission to provide kinder, gentler cancer care and remain a world leader in cancer research, treatment and patient support."