King Charles just did something nobody was expecting at cancer centre | Royal | News
King Charles did something no one expected during his visit to a cancer center in England on Tuesday. The King, who continues to receive cancer treatment after being diagnosed with cancer in 2024, visited York Hospital’s newly developed Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Center to meet cancer patients, nurses and staff involved in the £2.4 million project. King Charles, who has been a patron of Macmillan Cancer Support since 1997, was given a tour of the centre’s brand new, purpose-built garden during his visit.
Designed as a quiet outdoor space for patients and staff, away from the clinical treatment rooms, the garden provided one of the most touching moments of the day. The King spent time with volunteers there and planted a special “Macmillan Rose” to commemorate the facility’s upcoming July opening.
In the garden, the King greeted Lady Halifax warmly, embracing her and kissing her on both cheeks, a rare public display of affection from the monarch.
Lady Halifax previously served as Head of Macmillan Yorkshire Appeal for more than 20 years and was a close family friend of the King for decades. The King has been a regular guest at the Halifax family’s Garrowby Estate in Yorkshire since 1970.
During the visit, Lady Halifax introduced him to Angie Lunt, a former cancer patient from York who helped shape the design of the new center after using support services during her own treatment.
“This is one of the most wonderful women you will ever meet,” he told her.
Speaking to Mrs Lunt later, the King said: “So they consulted you on all the details to make everything most effective? Well done.”
The King spent time at the redeveloped cancer center speaking to patients who helped shape the new facility, which was designed with input from more than 70 local people affected by cancer.
From furniture and artwork to color schemes and layout, patients played a key role in creating a calmer, more welcoming environment.
Among those they met was Louise Rhodes, who was living with stage 4 secondary breast cancer. During their conversation, Charles reflected on the widespread impact of the disease, reportedly telling her: “It’s everywhere.”
She also emphasized the importance of emotional support during treatment and told patients how vital it was to be able to “talk” about their experiences.
