Queen Camilla visited the Maggie’s centre in Cheltenham on January 21, 2024, to commemorate the charity’s 30th anniversary. She was accompanied by former Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell-Horner, who is a supporter of Maggie’s. The event came just over a month after her husband, the King, announced a reduction in his cancer treatment schedule, describing it as a “personal blessing.”
The visit took place on a day that coincided with the Duke of Sussex beginning his testimony in a High Court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. Despite the rainy weather, Queen Camilla arrived under a clear umbrella to a warm welcome. After greeting various attendees, including the mayor of Cheltenham, she embraced Halliwell-Horner, expressing her delight at seeing her.
Queen Camilla Highlights Charity’s Impact
As president of Maggie’s since 2008, the Queen met with NHS staff and cancer patients to learn about their experiences with the charity. During the visit, she unveiled a portrait of herself created by artist Eileen Hogan and discussed the newly renovated garden at the centre.
In her speech, Queen Camilla reflected on the charity’s founder, Maggie Keswick Jencks, whom she first met in the 1960s. “Maggie was warm, funny, and generous,” the Queen remarked. She pointed out that Jencks understood the importance of feeling empowered rather than viewing oneself as a victim when faced with a cancer diagnosis.
“Maggie knew how vital it is to have access to information about treatment and the various options available,” she added. The Queen emphasized that Maggie’s provides a comforting environment where individuals can receive support and share their feelings, whether joyful or sorrowful.
Personal Connections Made During the Visit
Following her address, Queen Camilla joined a reception with approximately 50 guests, including staff and beneficiaries of the charity. She shared tea and chocolate biscuits with two individuals who have undergone cancer treatment at the centre. One of them, Caitlyn Warrington, 23, shared her journey of battling rare ovarian cancer since the age of 14. Queen Camilla remarked, “It is a life-changing place,” acknowledging the profound impact Maggie’s has on its visitors.
Halliwell-Horner, who has recently become acquainted with the charity, described the visit as “delightful.” She expressed admiration for Queen Camilla, calling her “a formidable force of nature” and noted the Queen’s long-standing support for Maggie’s.
Warrington praised the Queen’s visit as “really lovely,” highlighting the importance of raising awareness and having such support from prominent figures. “It means a lot,” she said.
Maggie’s offers essential services, including psychological and emotional support, to those affected by cancer, with drop-in sessions available without appointments. Since its inception in 1996, the charity has expanded to 27 centres across the UK, providing a welcoming space for individuals coping with cancer.
As the royal family continues to address their own health challenges, including the King and the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnoses, Queen Camilla’s visit underscores the importance of community support and the vital role that organisations like Maggie’s play in the lives of many.
