Queen Camilla paid a heartfelt visit to Maggie’s Cheltenham cancer support centre on Wednesday, January 21, marking the charity’s 30th anniversary. Joining her was former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, a dedicated supporter of Maggie’s, who welcomed the Queen during the special occasion.
Despite rainy weather, the Queen arrived under a clear umbrella and was warmly greeted by the mayor of Cheltenham and a large group of staff, supporters, and cancer patients benefiting from Maggie’s services. In a touching moment, Camilla embraced Halliwell-Horner, asking if it was her first visit, to which the former pop star responded with enthusiasm.
As president of Maggie’s, Queen Camilla toured the centre, meeting NHS staff and those living with cancer, hearing firsthand how the charity has offered vital emotional and practical support. She unveiled a portrait of herself painted by artist Eileen Hogan and learned about the centre’s newly renovated garden.
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In a heartfelt speech, Queen Camilla reflected on the charity’s founding and its late founder, Maggie Keswick Jencks, whom she first met in the 1960s. She praised Maggie’s vision of creating a beautiful and comforting space for people facing cancer, where they can feel in control, gain information, and find genuine support without pretense.
During the visit, Camilla shared tea and chocolate biscuits with Halliwell-Horner and two cancer survivors, including 23-year-old Caitlyn Warrington. Caitlyn, diagnosed with a rare ovarian cancer in her early teens, spoke movingly about how Maggie’s has helped her and her family navigate the challenges of treatment. The Queen described the charity as “a life-changing place,” highlighting the profound impact such support can offer.
After the visit, Halliwell-Horner expressed admiration for the Queen’s steadfast dedication to Maggie’s since its inception. “She is a formidable force of nature,” Halliwell-Horner said, calling the visit “delightful.” Caitlyn also praised the Queen’s presence at the centre, emphasizing how much public support and awareness mean to cancer patients.
Queen Camilla has served as president of Maggie’s since 2008 and has visited 18 of its 27 centres across the UK. Founded in 1996, Maggie’s provides free psychological, emotional, and practical support to those affected by cancer, welcoming visitors without appointments.
Notably, members of the Royal Family have recently been touched by cancer diagnoses, with both King Charles III and Princess of Wales Kate Middleton confronting the illness in recent years. Kate announced her remission earlier this year.