The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, continues to take a step back from public engagements as she undergoes cancer treatment, with Kensington Palace confirming that her return to work will be contingent upon clearance from her medical team. The update on the princess's health and role comes amid the launch of a report by her early years foundation, which calls for increased business investment in children's early years.
"The princess is not expected to return to work until it's cleared by her medical team," a Kensington Palace spokesman stated, adding that "early childhood will continue to be central to her public work." This latest news suggests that a return to public life is not imminent for the princess, who has been away from official duties for most of this year.
In March, Kate took to Instagram to update fans on her health, revealing that she had undergone major abdominal surgery in January and that tests following the operation had found the presence of cancer. The princess shared that she was in the early stages of preventive chemotherapy treatment and that the news had come as a "huge shock" to her and her husband, Prince William.
Despite her extended break from public duties, the Princess of Wales is said to have remained a "driving force" behind the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. Christian Guy, the project's executive director, noted that the princess was "excited" by the foundation's campaign and that the early years campaign was "rolling on as she recovers."
The foundation's latest report, produced by business leaders from companies such as NatWest, Aviva, the Co-op, Unilever, and Deloitte, claims that the UK economy could make long-term gains of £45.5 billion per year by adopting a more successful approach to children's early years. The report suggests that better early years education would boost workplace productivity, increased access to childcare would allow more parents to return to work, and more support would reduce the long-term costs associated with a neglected childhood, such as higher risks of ill-health and unemployment.
Emma Franklin from Deloitte, which produced the report, highlighted the role employers could play in facilitating cultural changes that would make it easier for workers with young children. This could include not expecting staff to stay in touch on days off or reply to emails early in the morning before dropping off children at childcare, nursery, or school. Franklin described this as "parenting out loud," where people can openly discuss the pressures of balancing parenthood with work.
Kate Middleton's health challenges have not been the only ones faced by senior royals, as King Charles announced earlier this year that he has cancer. Royal expert Christopher Andersen previously shared with an outlet that His Majesty is protective of the princess, stating, "Now the king brooks no criticism of Kate, period."
Andersen also noted that Kate has always prioritized her children's well-being over royal duties, a choice that has drawn criticism from some quarters in the past. However, with the princess now undergoing cancer treatment, the focus has shifted to her recovery and the importance of allowing her the time, space, and privacy needed to complete her treatment.
