Kate Middleton is said to be “touched” as tens of thousands of Get Well cards and gifts have been delivered to Buckingham Palace after her brave admission that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
And after the Princess of Wales’ spokesperson previously said she “may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to”, rumours swirled last week that she may not return to public life until 2025.
Last week, it was confirmed that Kate would not be attending the Trooping the Colour rehearsal – which King Charles is down to attend, as he goes through his own cancer treatment himself. And an insider claimed last week, “Kate’s diary for this year is empty, there is nothing planned.”
And now a source tells Closer that the princess is feeling conflicted about future appearances as she wants to thank fans, but understands that she needs to take time to fully recover.
The source says, "Kate’s feeling incredibly torn and while she knows she needs to take time out of the spotlight to focus on her health and be with her family, there’s part of her that feels as if she should get back to her public duties – even if it’s just for the occasional appearance.
“She’s been so touched by the letters she’s received and the outpouring of support from all over the world, but at the same time it’s also made her feel slightly guilty and even pressured into giving back to the public who’ve been so supportive.”
Royal fans became concerned about Kate’s wellbeing when Kensington Palace issued a statement in January informing the public she had undergone planned abdominal surgery and was “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter”.
As speculation mounted, Kate broke her silence in a video message in March, blindsiding the world when she announced, “Tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” and that she was in the early stages of chemotherapy treatment. She added, “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able.”
The news came at a sore time for the royals – especially Kate – who has faced a tough year after being dragged into drama with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In his controversial memoir, Spare, Harry detailed moments of disagreement between his sister-in-law and wife, including an argument they had via text over Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress for their 2018 wedding. They also fuelled speculation over who within the royal family had “questioned” the colour of Archie’s skin, with a Dutch translation of the book reportedly mistakenly naming Kate and Charles.
But last week, fans were offered a sense of relief when it was reported that Kate had been spotted “out and about” with her family in Norfolk. And another insider claimed she had “turned a corner” with her treatment and is “tolerating the medication” and “doing a lot better”.
And our source adds, “Kate is really appreciating this time spent with the family, but there’s also part of her that relies on her royal duties for her mental health and wellbeing since it gives her so much joy.”
Kate has previously had a hands-on role in the royal family, devoting time to the Centre for Early Childhood – of which she has stayed committed to behind-the-scenes during her recovery. She was also voted 2023’s second most popular member of the family, behind her husband.
And with her absence – as well as the absence of her brother-in-law Prince Harry and sister-in-law Meghan over in Montecito – other royals have swooped in and stepped up to cover Kate’s duties. Princesses Anne, Eugenie and Beatrice have taken on more jobs, but William has no doubt shouldered the most, especially with Charles stepping back too.
And insiders add that while Kate is hoping to get back to work, William is keen for her to focus on her health.
The source adds, “William has urged her not to rush back and to ensure she takes all the time she needs to rest and recover – insisting she might regret it if she does and even doing occasional appearances could tire her out.
“While Kate understands William’s concerns and is eager to follow his advice, part of her worries that the longer she stays out of the limelight, people will get used to other royals stepping up in her place.
“William has assured her that will never happen and that the public will be there waiting for her when she’s ready to return – assuring her that whenever that time comes, the public reaction will exceed all her expectations.”