Princess Kate Middleton has taken another step back from public duties as she continues to recover from the effects of her cancer treatment and prepares for a future as queen consort, palace insiders say. The 43-year-old Princess of Wales, who revealed her cancer diagnosis in early 2024 and announced she was in remission last September, has kept a light public schedule and is prioritizing her health.
Sources close to Kensington Palace told RadarOnline.com that Middleton told William she needed to step back from her royal duties to get a "decent break" before the current school term began for their children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The princess has been seen only at select events, including Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon, while skipping Royal Ascot and the 80th anniversary of VJ Day commemorations.
"Behind closed doors, she's still struggling emotionally and tires a lot more easily," one insider said. "It's taking longer to readjust to royal life after her cancer treatment. She's still not back to where she was before her diagnosis."
Despite stepping back, Kate has remained engaged with the public through her online project, Mother Nature. Kensington Palace recently released a sunlit video narrated by the princess celebrating summer activities, signaling her determination to stay connected even as she limits in-person appearances.
Royal commentator Ailsa Anderson, Queen Elizabeth II's former spokeswoman, said of Kate's measured return: "She's being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life." Anderson added she believes "she'll be able to reenergize herself."
Sources told Heat Magazine that Middleton faced a fresh emotional challenge earlier this month when she debuted a honey-blonde hair color, which drew a mix of praise and criticism on social media. "This has been an incredibly tough time for Kate," one insider said. "To face such harsh public criticism over her hair and looks has been triggering to say the least."
"She had been feeling like she had been in a bubble away from all the noise with the summer holidays, so to come back and face scrutiny was a massive shock to the system," the source continued, calling it "an emotional wobble" for the princess.
Courtiers say Kate and Prince William are also conscious of King Charles's own cancer diagnosis and the possibility that she may be called upon to play a larger role sooner than expected. "Kate will be called upon sooner rather than later - and she likely wants to ensure that she's up to the task," a royal courtier said.
