Royal Marsden Cancer Charity accepts resignation after scrutiny of past ties
The charity backed by Prince William and Catherine has accepted the resignation of a trustee following renewed attention on her past association with Jeffrey Epstein.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which supports the hospital that treated Catherine during her cancer care, confirmed that Nicole Junkermann stepped down from her role. Reports said Junkermann maintained a long-running correspondence with Epstein years ago, including a large volume of emails.
According to The Telegraph, Junkermann has said she deeply regrets the exchanges and believes she was misled. She described being horrified as she came to understand the harm caused by Epstein and the abuse of power involved. A spokesperson said she resigned so the charity could continue its work without distraction, adding that she remains supportive of its mission.
The charity echoed that position in a brief statement, confirming the resignation had been offered and accepted in light of ongoing media interest.
William has served as president of the Royal Marsden Hospital since 2007, a post previously held by his mother Princess Diana. Catherine became a patron in January 2025, when she announced she was in remission.
The statement was also shared with People, underlining the charity’s focus on keeping attention on patient care and research rather than controversy.
