Kate Middleton is intensifying her royal efforts with a renewed focus on public service and symbolic fashion choices, drawing comparisons to Princess Diana as she prepares for her future role as Queen Consort. Her latest campaign, strategic wardrobe shifts, and public reemergence after cancer remission have drawn widespread attention-and scrutiny.
A palace source told RadarOnline.com that Middleton is "feeling energized after revealing she is now free of the cancer and she is ready to throw herself into her charity work." The insider added: "Princess Diana was known across the world for her astonishing work with charities. This is the kind of legacy Kate wishes to emulate." The same source noted that Middleton sees her work as a contrast to Meghan Markle's lifestyle in the U.S., stating, "Kate knows how a member of royalty should conduct herself."
Middleton, 43, has reentered the public eye following a difficult health battle in 2024. In January, she revealed she was in remission after undergoing chemotherapy for cancer at London's Royal Marsden Hospital. She later visited the facility to thank medical staff. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything," she wrote on Instagram. "We couldn't have asked for more."
The mother of three is now leading the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood's "Shaping Us" initiative, which aims to support children's development. Sources say she plans to enlist high-profile support, including British television personality Holly Willoughby. Middleton and Willoughby first met in 2015 during the Fostering Excellence Awards.
Middleton's renewed sense of duty has also manifested in her fashion, according to royal style analysts. Miranda Holder told Hello! that Middleton "has literally been rebranded in line with her new level of authority as the Princess of Wales and her position as our future Queen." Holder said the princess has gravitated toward "neutral colors which feel less frivolous than the prints and bright hues of the past."
However, Middleton has also embraced bold monochromatic looks, a signature style of Princess Diana. At recent public events, she has appeared in head-to-toe red and green ensembles, including for Commonwealth Day and St. Patrick's Day. Marina Thomas, a fashion expert, noted that red is a particularly deliberate choice. "One reason Kate may be choosing to wear red is due to it symbolizing courage, willpower and sacrifice," she said. "Wearing red certainly portrays confidence and a willingness to be seen and noticed."
While some of Middleton's stylistic choices echo Diana's, others recall Queen Elizabeth II, who was known for her vibrant single-color outfits. Analysts suggest Middleton's evolving public image is carefully curated to reflect both her deepening role within the monarchy and her preparedness for queenship.
Meanwhile, King Charles III, 76, remains in treatment for cancer. Buckingham Palace revealed in February that his diagnosis followed an operation for an enlarged prostate. He was hospitalized earlier this month due to complications from chemotherapy.
