Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore the lapis lazuli necklace again during a Thursday visit to The Christie cancer center in Manchester—pairing it with bee earrings and meeting staff, patients, and young people supported through multiple care and therapy spaces
On Thursday, Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrived at The Christie in Manchester with a familiar piece of jewelry—one that carried its own story before she ever stepped into a room.
The princess wore the lapis lazuli necklace once again during her visit. pairing it with bee earrings—an additional nod to the city of Manchester. The necklace had previously been worn during a 2022 trip when Catherine and William visited the Glade of Light memorial. created in tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack.
Before reaching the heart of the center, she began her outing at the Oak Road Treatment Centre, where she met staff and patients currently undergoing chemotherapy. She then spoke to patients receiving complementary therapy, hearing how it has supported their physical and emotional well-being.
From there, Catherine moved through other parts of the day designed to reflect more than medicine alone. She visited the art room and met resident artist Patricia Mountford. With a background that includes studying art history at the University of St Andrews. her Royal Highness took part in a session with patients. focusing on how creative expression can play a role in recovery.
Later, she spoke with gardener Phil Walker, learning how the landscape of the well-being garden offers patients and staff a chance to pause and reflect.
Her visit concluded at The Christie’s teenage-and-young-adult unit, funded by the Christie Charity. There, she met staff, young patients, and their families, and learned about therapeutic, social, and recreational activities created to support young people during an especially challenging time.
The necklace itself has appeared on other Manchester occasions as well. Catherine also wore the jewel to an event marking the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Coach Core at the Copper Box Arena in October 2022.
In Manchester, the lapis lazuli necklace never reads like just an accessory. On Thursday, worn at The Christie, it followed her again—linking a day of care and conversation back to a memorial that holds the weight of the Manchester Arena attack, and to the city she returned to with purpose.
Princess of Wales Catherine lapis lazuli necklace bee earrings The Christie Manchester Glade of Light Manchester Arena terror attack Oak Road Treatment Centre chemotherapy complementary therapy Patricia Mountford Phil Walker well-being garden Christie Charity teenage-and-young-adult unit Coach Core Copper Box Arena