Queen Camilla is officially opening a cancer centre in Bath today where she was asked how her husband King Charles was doing.
Suzy Moon, who works for MacMillan partnership asked after the 75-year-old monarch, who continues to undergo treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. She asked: “Is he doing okay?”
The Queen replied: “Yes, he is doing very well.”
Camilla beamed as she arrived at the new Dyson Cancer Centre in a forest green dress on Tuesday morning.
She officially opened the state-of-the-art cancer centre at Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath NHS Foundation Trust.
During her tour of the new facility at the Royal United Hospital (RUH), the Queen met with patients, staff, and supporters of the centre, which serves over 500,000 people across the South West.
The new Dyson Cancer Centre, which consolidates the majority of RUH’s cancer services, including a research hub, chemotherapy and radiotherapy services, and a 22-bed inpatient ward, officially began treating patients in April after construction commenced in 2021.
The £50 million project was funded by generous public donations and government support.
Her Majesty met a number of patients receiving treatment at the centre, including Sandy Tyler who was having her second session of chemotherapy and Hilary Marson who is on her fourth session.
The Queen noticed that Sandy was wearing a specialist hat which helps to prevent hair loss.
She remarked: “You’ve got your ice cap on.”
The cap works by reducing blood flow to the scalp, which also reduces the amount of chemotherapy medication that reaches the area. It is usually worn for 15 minutes before each chemotherapy treatment.
Camilla engaged in a lighthearted exchange with Paul Holdway, a 55-year-old nurse and patient undergoing a stem cell transplant to treat his blood cancer.
When asked by Her Majesty, “How are you feeling?” Mr. Holdway replied, “I am feeling very tired.”
The Queen responded with a touch of humourand said “men won’t admit it”, in reference to her husband. Camilla has made no secret of her desire for the King to slow down while he continues to undergo gruelling cancer treatment.
The Queen’s visit also included a stop at the Macmillan Wellbeing Hub, a non-clinical space designed to provide practical and emotional support to patients, families, and carers.
Her Majesty’s tour concluded with a reception in the Main Atrium, where she met those involved in the centre’s construction and the many supporters who made the project possible.
The visit culminated with the unveiling of a plaque to officially open the Dyson Cancer Centre.