Queen Camilla made a heartfelt visit to Maggie’s Cheltenham centre on Wednesday, January 21, joining forces with former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary. The charity provides vital support to people living with cancer, and the Queen, who serves as its president, took the opportunity to connect with patients, staff, and supporters.
Despite rainy weather, Queen Camilla arrived at the centre under a clear umbrella and was warmly welcomed by the mayor of Cheltenham and other guests. The highlight of the visit was a touching embrace between the Queen and Halliwell-Horner, a passionate Maggie’s supporter. “How nice to see you. Is this your first visit?” the Queen asked, to which Halliwell-Horner responded, “Yeah, amazing.”
During the visit, Camilla unveiled a portrait of herself by artist Eileen Hogan and learned about improvements to the centre’s garden. She also interacted with NHS staff and spoke with cancer patients about the invaluable support Maggie’s offers.
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In a moving speech, the Queen reflected on the charity’s founder, Maggie Keswick Jencks, whom she met in the 1960s. “Maggie was warm, funny, and generous, qualities that shone even as she confronted her cancer diagnosis,” Queen Camilla said. She emphasized Maggie’s vision of creating a comforting, beautiful environment where those affected by cancer could feel in control and supported, sharing laughter and tears alike.
Among the guests was Caitlyn Warrington, a 23-year-old local who shared her personal journey with rare ovarian cancer. Camilla acknowledged the centre’s impact, telling Caitlyn and her mother, Nikki, “It is a life-changing place.”
Halliwell-Horner praised Maggie’s work as “absolutely amazing” and called the visit “delightful,” expressing admiration for the Queen’s longstanding commitment to the charity.
Caitlyn Warrington also expressed gratitude for the royal visit, highlighting how much it means to have such visible support and awareness raised for cancer patients.
Since becoming president of Maggie’s in 2008, Queen Camilla has visited 18 centres nationwide. Maggie’s originated in 1996 at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and continues to offer free emotional, psychological, and practical support to those affected by cancer through welcoming drop-in sessions requiring no appointments.
This visit comes just weeks after King Charles announced a reduced treatment schedule for his own cancer, described as a “personal blessing.” It also coincides with ongoing legal proceedings involving Camilla’s stepson, the Duke of Sussex.