When Princess Kate Makes Her Return to Royal Duty, She’ll “Come Back Even More Passionate”
One week after announcing her cancer diagnosis publicly, Kate remains sidelined from royal duty for an undetermined amount of time.
As she puts her health first (and rightfully so) as she undergoes treatment for an undisclosed type and stage of cancer, the Princess of Wales hasn’t definitively confirmed when she will return to royal duty—but when she does, she will be stronger than ever, a Palace aide speaking to People said.
“[The royal family] is vulnerable at the moment, and there will be an even greater appreciation that they are human beings with frailties like the rest of us,” they said. “They are so dedicated to their roles. I think you will find when Kate makes a full recovery, she will come back even more passionate.”
As she recovers, she has the support of a tight-knit circle around her including her husband Prince William, her parents Michael and Carole Middleton, and her siblings Pippa and James. “She has the inner strength, the support of her husband and her extraordinary family, so she can focus on what’s important, which is her getting back to strength,” said Ailsa Anderson, a former spokesperson for the late Queen Elizabeth.
One week ago, Kate delivered her powerful video message as the world watched, where she announced that, following abdominal surgery in January, cancer was detected post-operation. Sitting in the gardens of Windsor Castle, alone on a bench—very much on purpose, as a sign of her strength—Kate delivered a message she had written herself, and had chosen to share on video rather than in a written statement to let the world see her after being largely absent from the public eye since Christmas Day.
“She wrote the words herself and delivered it personally—she wanted to decide when the time was right to tell the world,” said her former private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton. “It is an incredibly important thing that she’s done. I thought, ‘This is our future queen—goodness, what courage!’ She showed remarkable composure given all that has been swirling around.”
Speaking of queens, the current queen, Queen Camilla, made history yesterday: stepping in for her husband, King Charles, as he too receives treatment for an undisclosed type and stage of cancer, Camilla led the annual Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral, the first consort to lead the ancient tradition, which the royal family traces all the way back to 600 A.D.
“She is his strength and stay like [Prince Philip] was for the late Queen,” a Palace source told People. “She will be great. She will rally him, she will buoy him. She is amazing. She equips him to do the job he has to do.”
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more.
-
Chrishell Stause Will Play the Villain If She Needs To
The 'Selling Sunset' star has achieved what few (maybe no one) in the reality TV genre has: being a longtime fan favorite. But with her appearance on season 3 of 'Traitors,' she's ready to make enemies and get a little scrappy.
By Brian Moylan Published
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The King
The top three people on this list might surprise you.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Sydney Sweeney Winterizes a Plunging Mini Dress With a Sheer Turtleneck and a Fur-Lined Penny Lane Coat
The star layered all her favorite cold-weather trends for a night on Broadway.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Will This Major Red Carpet Moment be Princess Kate's First Appearance of 2025?
"We have been told that she wouldn't want to miss it, so she's hoping to be there with William."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Don't Expect Princess Kate to "Return to the All Trouser Suits, All the Time" Aesthetic in 2025, Per Royal Fashion Experts
Royal style gurus Christine Ross and Susan Kelley share their fashion predictions with 'Marie Claire.'
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Kate Middleton Reportedly Acts as the “Glue” When Prince William and King Charles Don’t See Eye-to-Eye
"She is solution-focused and is certainly the glue between Prince William and King Charles III."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
What Prince William’s Birthday Tribute to Kate Middleton Reveals About How Her Cancer Diagnosis Has Affected Their Relationship
A royal expert unpacked the meaning behind the "'heartfelt" post.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Princess Kate Has Been Honored With Birthday Charity Earrings That Support a Cause Close to Her Heart
Proceeds from the $34 style will benefit a charity the Princess of Wales has paid tribute to in the past.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday Photo
The Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Despite 2025 Being "the Year of Reset," Princess Kate Will Likely Do This Before Going Back to Regular Duties
Royal biographer Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire' that fans shouldn't expect Kate to go "back to 2023 levels" of appearances.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Kate Middleton Won't Let the "Looming Responsibility" of Becoming Queen "Take Her Away" From Her Children
The Princess of Wales is putting her kids before the monarchy.
By Amy Mackelden Published