In a heartwarming display of royal support, Queen Camilla joined former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner on a visit to Maggie’s cancer centre in Cheltenham. The occasion marked the 30th anniversary of the charity, which the Queen has supported for the past 18 years.
Halliwell-Horner, who had her own battle with breast cancer as a teenager, is also a dedicated supporter of the organisation. During the visit, Queen Camilla praised the charity’s founder, Maggie Keswick Jencks, who passed away from cancer in 1995, for her vision of providing better care for those impacted by the disease.
“(Keswick Jencks) was convinced that people living with cancer crave a beautiful, comforting environment as they face the unknown,” said the Queen. “A place where they needn’t pretend to be fine, where they can receive expert support, sympathy and a good cup of tea. A place where laughter can come as naturally as tears because sometimes that’s what’s wanted.”
The Queen also unveiled a portrait of herself by artist Eileen Hogan during the event, which was attended by a reception of around 50 guests, including staff, supporters, and those who have benefitted from the charity’s services.
Caitlyn Warrington, a 23-year-old from near Cheltenham who was first diagnosed with a rare ovarian cancer at the age of 14 and has since relapsed twice, expressed her gratitude for the Queen’s visit. “I think raising awareness as well as having someone like that show support means a lot,” she said.
Halliwell-Horner, who had to have a lump removed from her breast at the age of 18, described living with the fear of cancer returning as “like a guillotine hanging over you.”
Earlier on the same day, the Queen also visited the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service to learn about its work supporting people across the county experiencing domestic abuse.
The Queen’s presence and the involvement of a former Spice Girl serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by cancer and domestic abuse in the local community.
