Particle.news
Download on the App Store

William and Kate Make Surprise Joint Visit to Charing Cross in First Engagement of 2026

The engagement spotlighted NHS Charities Together’s philanthropic support for patients as services face winter pressures.

Overview

  • Princess Kate joined the visit at short notice, turning a planned solo engagement by Prince William into a joint appearance.
  • The couple surprised staff during a tea break, thanked teams for their work, and spoke with volunteers and clinicians; reporters noted Kate referenced her own remission in a conversation with a chemotherapy volunteer.
  • They visited neuro‑rehabilitation services, including a therapy gym and arts room, to see how charity-backed programmes support patient recovery.
  • Ellie Orton OBE, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, hosted a roundtable with charity leaders, trustees, policymakers and philanthropists on the role of giving in the NHS.
  • NHS Charities Together represents more than 220 member charities that channel about £1.5 million daily, with Imperial Health Charity funding facilities used by staff and patients across Imperial College Healthcare hospitals.