Kate Middleton has been taking some much-needed time away from the public as she continues her cancer treatment. The Princess of Wales has not been involved in public royal duties since December 2023. In March 2023, she announced she had been diagnosed with cancer, but she did not reveal the type or stage.
Now, as Kate continues to get better, friends close to the royal family say she is focused on one “key thing” during her treatment. Thankfully, after Kate made her difficult announcement, people have respected her request for privacy. She explained in her video message that she wanted privacy for her family, especially her children, and that she was getting “stronger” each day. According to Express, a friend of the princess said she needs to avoid stress.
“The key thing for her now is avoiding any kind of stress or anxiety and just getting on with the business of getting better,” the source said. “They will bail out and be off to Sandringham the moment school breaks up.” Kate has also been relying more on her family: her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her siblings, Pippa and James Middleton, rather than her friends. “The circle of trust is tiny … They are an incredibly tight family, and Catherine feels absolutely confident relying on them,” the source added.
Prince William has continued to make royal appearances while his wife gets better, though his children, who occasionally make public appearances with their parents, have not been seen much since Kate’s diagnosis. While the princess’s treatment plan remains unclear, it’s rumored that Kate won’t return to royal duties until autumn. It’s possible her treatment could end in the summer, but she might use that time to get stronger and readapt to royal life after being away for many months. The royals usually limit appearances in the summertime as they spend time with family at vacation spots like Sandringham and Balmoral.
It remains to be seen when exactly Kate will return to the public eye, but she likely will not appear at large summertime events like Trooping the Colour. It’s tradition for the entire royal family to appear on the balcony, so it’s possible William will bring his three kids out, but fans should not get their hopes up that Kate will be ready to appear by June. Of course, anything can happen.
