Princess Kate and singer Jessie J connected over their shared cancer journeys during the Royal Variety Performance on Wednesday, November 19, at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The two hugged backstage, and Jessie later explained the meaning behind the moment, according to The Independent. She said, “Mum to mum, who has just recently gone through cancer, I just wanted to give her a hug,” adding, “We acknowledged that it’s something that is not easy to go through, especially in the public eye.”
The event marked a significant return for Princess Kate, 43, and Prince William, also 43, as it was their first red carpet appearance in two years. Kate stepped back from her royal duties earlier in 2024 while undergoing cancer treatment. For the occasion, she wore a dark green velvet gown by Talbot Runhof, while Prince William also opted for velvet in a black tuxedo.
Jessie J, whose real name is Jessica Cornish, revealed in June that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She told fans she wanted to “be open and share it” as she documented her treatment publicly, including details of her mastectomy. Jessie later said she was preparing for a second surgery and postponed her autumn tour as a result, though that operation was subsequently delayed.
Questo abbraccio tra Jessie J e la principessa Kate così bello e così inaspettato 🥹 🩶 pic.twitter.com/cwxIn6DtTL
— IAGE_🐨 (@AiraMaria111) November 20, 2025
Princess Kate, meanwhile, reached another milestone during the same week as she delivered her first speech since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March 2024. During her remarks, she thanked those who had supported her, saying people had held “the fort” for her “particularly over the last couple of years.”
Kate disclosed her diagnosis in a personal video message on March 22, in which she explained she was receiving preventative chemotherapy. She said, “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous,” but tests following the procedure confirmed that “cancer had been present.”
Her message came after weeks of speculation about her health following what was described as “planned abdominal surgery” in January. After sharing her diagnosis, Kate largely withdrew from public life as she focused on treatment and recovery.
In June 2024, the Princess of Wales appeared for the first time since her announcement in a new photo taken in the woods near her home. She accompanied the image with a personal note saying she had been “blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months.” She continued, “It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.”
By September 2024, Kate announced that she had completed chemotherapy.