No full return?

Princess Kate reflects on her future

Princess Kate may take on a different role in the royal family in the future.

(Bild: APA/AFP/POOL/Danny Lawson)

Princess Kate's role within the British royal family could change following her cancer diagnosis and treatment. According to a report, we should not expect to see the old Kate again. 

In March 2024, Princess Kate announced in an emotional video message that she had been diagnosed with cancer following abdominal surgery. She then began chemotherapy. In her message, the 42-year-old emphasized that her treatment and, of course, her three children were her sole focus. However much she is looking forward to returning to work as soon as she is able.

In any case, there are no appearances on the royal schedule until the end of the year.

Rethinking and reassessing
However, according to a new report, Prince William's wife is to reflect on the time afterwards and rethink her role after the "shock", as she herself called it in her message.

The Princess of Wales, who used to take center stage at royal appearances with husband Prince William, "may never return to the role people used to see her in," an insider told Us Weekly magazine on Tuesday.

According to the source, Kate is currently re-evaluating "what she will and won't be able to take on when she comes back."

Careful consideration
Royal family expert Richard Fitzwilliams is certain that Kate's return to the public eye will be very well planned and will only happen "on medical advice". "It will be weighed up very carefully," he explained. 

Fitzwilliams added that her battle to stay healthy is "obviously very taxing".

Princess Kate was last seen in public in December 2023, the day after Christmas Eve. She attended the traditional church service at Sandringham with the royal family and her children.

Princess Kate and Prince George after the 2023 Christmas Day service at Sandringham

(Bild: APA/Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

King Charles back on duty
In January, she was in hospital for two weeks following an abdominal operation. Specialists are said to have been flown in especially for her.

During this time, King Charles underwent prostate surgery at the same London clinic. He was also diagnosed with cancer, but not of the prostate.

Unlike Kate, the 75-year-old is already back on duty and is taking part in the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy this week and the "Trooping The Color" birthday parade on 15 June.

Princess Kate has been married to Prince William, heir to the British throne, since 2011. The couple have children Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (9) and Prince Louis (6).