- 04 July 2019
- 1 min read
William hands out the hugs as he visits Royal Marsden Hospital
The Duke of Cambridge was highlighting the work done to bolster the mental health of cancer patients.

The Duke of Cambridge became the prince of hugs when he showed off his affectionate side and embraced a hospital cleaner.
William’s heartfelt encounter came as he visited the Royal Marsden in central London to highlight its work supporting the mental health of cancer patients, their families and the medical staff who care for them.
Like this article? Subscribe to The Nurses Weekly!
Speaking to a matron who had returned to duties after receiving help, he praised the work of nurses saying the “reservoirs of compassion” they must have were “incredible”.

He also shared a poignant moment with Pauline Gore, the widow of Professor Martin Gore, a leading figure at the Royal Marsden who died in January after a yellow fever jab.
The duke, who had got to know the professor well since first visiting the medical institution for work experience in 2005, told Mrs Gore: “He is the Royal Marsden, he is the living embodiment of the Royal Marsden.”

In a lighter moment after chatting to patients on a ward, William was asked for a hug first by staff nurse Joyce Mensah, then a cleaner Evelyn Adams, 65.
He did not need to be asked twice and embraced the women as he laughed.
Ms Adams joked later: “I had a hug from William – he’s my prince. “This is my best working day.”
Nurses.co.uk editorial team
About the author
Nurses.co.uk editorial team
Bringing you a daily update of nursing, NHS, health and social care news from around the UK.
Want to get involved in the discussion
Sign In JoinRead something else
Covid-19 Didn’t Bring Retired Nurses Back – But It Is Highlighting A Deeper Problem
NHS England has revealed only 1,007 former nurses out of 71,000 returned to work last summer while Covid-sickness absence left hospitals with a net drop of 3,694 full-time nurses.
A Day In The Life Of A Student Nurse During The Pandemic
Student Nurse, Kyle, gives an insight into Student Nursing during the pandemic with a video diary outlining coursework, working from home and student cuisine.
What Band 5 Salary Nurses Get Paid In 2021 – And What You’ll Do To Earn It
The New Pay Deal for the NHS was signed in 2018 and ensured a minimum pay increase for all nurses at all bandings over the subsequent three years. Here’s what it means for Band 5 nurses.
Latest Jobs
Dialysis Nurse
Redditch, Worcestershire, England
TTM Healthcare
Renal Nurse
Redditch, Worcestershire, England
Time Recruitment Solutions
Chemotherapy Staff Nurse
Fazakerley, Liverpool, Merseyside, England
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Staff Nurse - Endoscopy
Manchester, Greater Manchester, England
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Discharge Nurse
Epsom, Surrey, England
Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
Staff Nurse
Margate, Kent, England
Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust
See all of our RGN jobs
5705 jobs currently available