The Princess of Wales chose a new top to go with familiar separates for a visit to Charing Cross Hospital in West London.
The Prince and Princess visited the hospital in support of patients, staff, and volunteers at the NHS facility
Prince William was initially scheduled to make the visit as a solo engagement, but the Princess wanted to join him—more from this People article.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 43, are joint patrons of NHS Charities Together and made the stop to spotlight the work of NHS staff and volunteers, who are meeting an increased demand on services during the winter months.
Upon arrival, the couple surprised healthcare staff who were taking a tea break in the canteen. William said: “Happy new year” before joking to check his watch and asking: “Can we still say that?”
Here, you see the couple with volunteers from Imperial Health Charity, relieving pressure on employees and helping patients.
Speaking to Maureen Gilmour, 86, a volunteer who helps patients during their chemotherapy, the princess was told that “people sit there for hours”. Kate replied, “I know”, before touching William on the arm and adding: “We know”. Gilmour, the volunteer, added: “They are so sweet, everyone [was] really positive. I have to say I love it.”
The volunteers spoke about their working days and supporting patients. Kate described treatment as “quite a daunting experience”, adding: “So you’ve got to have that support from you as a team.” Kate added: “From a patient’s experience it’s important things not in the job description, such as kindness and compassion.”
And from The Daily Mail’s coverage by Rebecca English.
William hailed the staff for being ‘diligent’ and Kate celebrated the ‘interaction’ between patients and volunteers.
The Prince and Princess spent time with patients during their physical and occupational therapy. 
And art therapy. 
More from this Daily Mirror piece by Charlotte Foster.
Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said of the royal visit: “It was wonderful to see the surprise on the faces of the healthcare staff and volunteers who were honoured to speak with The Prince and Princess – special moments like these give people a genuine boost at a very challenging time..
The couple also participated in a roundtable discussion on the importance of philanthropy to the NHS.
Another view of the roundtable. 
Now, we move to our look at what Kate wore for today’s engagement. 
Many will have recognized her Roland Mouret separates, the single-breasted blazer with angled flap pockets, and wide-leg trousers, first noted during the December 2022 Boston trip. 
Beneath the jacket, the Princess wore a new top by ME + EM, the British brand’s AM/PM Sleeveless Top & Scarf (originally $345, now $241) in ‘deep ruby red’ silk. The piece features a relaxed fit with a high neckline, ruching at the front, an invisible back zipper, and a separate scarf or tie. The top is also available at Selfridges, but only in larger sizes ($260). 
The Princess carried her Small Hudson Bag ($525) in mocha suede by DeMellier London. 
We saw the return of the Gianvito Rossi 105 Suede Brown Suede Pumps ($795), the label’s pointed-toe style with a stiletto heel. 
The Princess wore her Cartier Trinity Earrings ($3850).
A quick editor’s note to those who receive email notifications when I publish a post: we will be changing the service we use to handle these notifications. Too many people are being removed from the list for reasons unknown to us. It’s a third-party service we never touch, and it’s not working as it should. I apologize for the hassle factor some of you are experiencing.
I will leave you with one more photo from today’s engagement, and early Happy 44th Birthday wishes to the Princess!
UPDATE JAN 9: This morning, the Princess released the “Winter” chapter of her four-part nature-focused video series.
The Mother Nature series has been a deeply personal, creative reflection on how nature has helped me heal. But it is also a story about the power of nature and creativity in collective healing.
There is so much we can learn from mother nature, as we look to build a happier,… pic.twitter.com/yZ3u6yLEe4
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 9, 2026
In the video, the Princess wears her past-season Barbour X Alexa Chung Elfie Coat (no longer available), a style she was seen wearing a year or two ago at one of the children’s football games, and in a photo taken by Prince Louis. 
She also wears her Long Tassel Boot ($790) by Penelope Chilvers.
VIDEO:
The Royal Family Channel has coverage of today’s engagement.
Hello magazine offers coverage in this piece.
