Kate Middleton's Next Chapter Will Likely Look Very Different as She Returns to Her Royal Role
On Monday, Sept. 9, Kate Middleton updated royal fans on where she stands in her cancer treatment — and it was positive news. She had completed chemotherapy after nine months, but her health battle had understandably changed her outlook on life.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family,” she said in a voiceover in the cinematic clip. “Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.” Kate clung closely to Prince William, their three children, and her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, during her cancer journey.
More from SheKnows
Now, she’s signaling that she’s ready to return to action, but it’s going to look much different than before her cancer diagnosis. “She had a lovely summer and is very focused on her wellbeing. She is definitely going to be doing less,” a palace source told People. Her schedule is expected to remain on the lighter side for the rest of 2024 and will heed her doctor’s advice before taking on too much in 2025. For now, Kate’s schedule will likely follow a similar pattern to earlier this summer when she confirmed her appearance at the last minute based on how she’s feeling.
That strategy worked well for her when she made a celebrated return to the public eye for Trooping the Colour in June, and again at the Wimbledon men’s singles final in July. The Telegraph described her team’s continued plan in June as “under-promising and over-delivering” by offering “a powerful emotional message, a surprise photograph, and a full-scale outing to come that no one would have expected her to manage.” Kate’s good news might also have royal critics looking at Prince William and his royal calendar.
While he also took a step back to spend time with his wife and their kids, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, it’s probably time for him to fill his schedule again. The pressure around William’s work ethic is mounting and even his biggest supporters are questioning him. “They’re very popular, they’re a huge asset to the UK, but there have been eyebrows raised in other parts of the royal household about the amount of time they’re not doing official engagements,” GBN’s royal correspondent Richard Palmer said of the Prince and Princess of Wales on the Royal Round Up podcast in August.
“It may well be that they come under a little bit of pressure to up their number of engagements,” Palmer added. “There aren’t many families where both the father and mother are able to have 12 or 13 weeks with their children on all of their school breaks. I think there’s an awful lot of goodwill towards them, but they do need to keep an eye on that.” Kate deserves the opportunity to ease back into her work life, but her new chapter will probably take on a different tone with more meaningful engagements. Kate’s life has changed forever.
Before you go, click here to see more looks Kate Middleton has worn before.
Best of SheKnows
21 Celebrity Couples Who Split Up After Over 20 Years Together
Every Single Time Jessica Chastain‘s Bold & Ethereal Red Carpet Fashion Brought Us to Our Knees
All the Best Fashion Moments from Lindsay Lohan's Acting Comeback
Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
