Kate Middleton has been embracing something new. During a visit to the Southwark Brewing Company in London, accompanied by her husband, Prince William, on March 12, the Princess of Wales declined a taste of beer or cider, citing how her health journey has influenced her relationship with alcohol. "Since my diagnosis, I haven't had much alcohol," Kate told brewery owner Hannah Rhodes during the visit, where reporters from several UK outlets were present. "I have to be a lot more conscious of it now." The 44-year-old opted for a soft drink instead, adding that Prince William is a cider fan in their family.
The Prince of Wales nodded in agreement, telling the onlookers, "I'm a cider man. I like cider. I grew up on cider in the West Country."
During their visit to the brewery, Kate also tried her hand at stirring one of the brewhouse's kettles, joking with the crowd, "What am I doing?" She and William—who are parents to children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—also paid a visit to other shops in London’s Borough Market, browsing products from cheesemonger Todd Trethowan and even handing out desserts to tourists behind the counter at Humble Crumble.
The couple appeared to be in good spirits, especially as Kate had previously shared that having the chance to meet with members of the public has helped perk up her mood amid her illness. During a Feb. 3 visit to the fashion brand Hiut Denim, a gentleman told Kate that he hoped she would "get better really soon after what happened to you." Kate—who had announced she was in remission from cancer in January 2025—gave him a smile, saying, "Thank you very much. This is so good for my soul, meeting wonderful people here."
Since sharing her diagnosis in March 2024, the royal has been focused on healing, sharing how she’s found peace within. "Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration," Kate said in a January post to Instagram in honor of her birthday. "Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection, to discover the deepest parts of ourselves alongside the whispers and the pulse of every living thing."
"I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am," she added. "For the rivers within us flow with ease; fears washed away, cleanse and purify. We come to peace with our tears and discover what it means to be alive—to be at one with nature—a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides us in memory, helping us to heal."
