Princess Kate is reassessing her return to royal duties following what sources now describe as a "really seriously ill" period during her cancer treatment, as she continues her recovery with what insiders say is a more "strict" approach to public appearances. The Princess of Wales unexpectedly missed Royal Ascot last week, despite being listed for the traditional carriage procession alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, one royal source said: "She's quite strict now at working out what she needs to be at and what she doesn't." The source added that although she may not always be seen in public, the princess remains "very hands-on behind the scenes with the team in the office. She has her own projects to pursue, such as her early years initiative. That's a lifelong commitment for HRH."
Kensington Palace had included her name among guests for the second day of Royal Ascot, but it was later quietly removed after officials confirmed she would not be attending. Her absence came despite a flurry of royal appearances earlier that week, including a visit to the new V&A East Storehouse in London, participation in Trooping the Colour, and Garter Day in Windsor.
Rebecca English, royal editor for The Daily Mail, wrote that "no-one still knows exactly why Catherine pulled out so suddenly," but noted the decision served as a reminder that her return to duties is still "a work in progress." English emphasized that Princess Kate is "being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life."
English also reported that Kate had been undergoing chemotherapy at this time last year following major abdominal surgery in January 2024. According to the report, the princess had a semi-permanent port inserted into her chest during treatment and became "almost 'attached' to this literal lifeline." One source said, "Like a lot of patients, the princess has admitted she became almost 'attached' to this literal lifeline-which offers no cast-iron guarantee of success, even if you are a royal."
In a video statement released when she announced her remission in January, the Princess said: "As anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty." She described the nine months prior as "incredibly tough for us as a family" and added, "Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus."
One royal insider told English: "On some levels I actually think this is a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo. As anyone who has been through that experience will tell you, you can feel very unwell for a long time afterwards. It can take years [to recover]."
Prince William, in separate remarks, acknowledged that 2024 had been a "brutal" year for the family. While Queen Elizabeth II's former communications secretary Ailsa Anderson praised Kate's return to public life as "measured," she cautioned that the princess "won't be rushed."
