The Duke of Cambridge's speech at The Royal Marsden Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research

I’m delighted to be back here at The Royal Marsden - it is always a place which gives me so much hope and inspiration, and a place which clearly means so much to so many people.

I am unbelievably proud to be President of The Royal Marsden - every time I visit I see groundbreaking work carried out with extraordinary professionalism and compassion.

Seeing the courage and spirit of the patients I met today, it would be hard not to feel positive about the work being done here, and the real difference it makes.  A difference which I know extends beyond the four walls of this hospital, to cancer patients across the U.K. and internationally.

So much of the work at The Royal Marsden would not be possible without the support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and people like Ralph Lauren and Don McCarthy whose generosity has enabled the creation of these wonderful facilities.

Speaking to the clinicians and researchers earlier this morning, I’m confident the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research will set a new benchmark for breast cancer research. Their work is already having an extraordinary impact and the patients I met today are testament to that. 

The Centre will be a wonderful addition to this world-leading hospital, enabling The Royal Marsden to continue its pioneering work, so it gives me great pleasure to declare the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research officially open.