The Princess of Wales is “not back to normal”, but there are signs of “light at the end of the tunnel”, a family friend told US magazine People.
“He won’t be working the same way again for a long time,” a source told the newspaper. publicationwhile a source close to the palace added: “She is focused on herself and her family at the moment, rightly so.”
It comes after fans caught a glimpse of Kate, 42, when the future queen was joined by members of the royal family and dozens of special guests to record her fourth ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service last week.
Speaking to concert guests, the mother-of-three poignantly said she “didn’t know” what 2024 had in store for her at last year’s carol service when she arrived to host the annual event at Westminster Abbey.
This time last year, Kate was focused on her job and her children, looking forward to the holiday season with little inclination for what was to come.
Weeks later, he underwent abdominal surgery in hospital, after which doctors broke the news that they had found evidence of cancer and advised him to undergo grueling preventive chemotherapy treatment.
Kate and Prince William found their lives turned upside down. But now, having completed her treatment, the princess begins to return to her public duties.
However, Robert Hardman, author of The Making of a King: Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, warned that fans should not expect too much or too soon.
Fans caught a glimpse of Kate, 42, when the future queen was joined by members of the royal family and dozens of special guests to record her fourth ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service last week (pictured)
He told the magazine: “We are encouraged not to look at this as a chapter that ends and then goes back to normal, because cancer doesn’t work like that… there’s no point in trying to gloss over the reality that it is like that.” an unpredictable disease.’
The princess announced in March that she had embarked on preventative chemotherapy treatment after doctors found evidence of the disease following major abdominal surgery in January.
In September, he revealed that this had now been completed, but warned that it would take time and patience for him to return to full-time royal duties.
Last Friday, the princess celebrated its fourth Christmas carol service ‘Together at Christmas’, which will be televised by itv on Christmas Eve, at historic Westminster Abbey.
Kate was accompanied by her husband, the Prince of Wales, and their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, to perform her concert.
It was the first time the Wales family had been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour, the King’s birthday parade, in June.
Kate was also accompanied by the entire Middleton family, from supportive mother Carole to sister Pippa, 41, and brother James, 37.
The princess, who was “hands on” in all aspects of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor, arrived alone at 4pm to see the abbey and oversee last-minute arrangements before walking to greet other guests.
The Prince and Princess of Wales attend the welcoming ceremony at the Horse Guards Parade during the first day of the visit of the Emir of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom on December 3, 2024 in London.
When singer Paloma Faith expressed her sympathy for the princess, who underwent chemotherapy this year, Kate responded: “I didn’t know this time last year was going to be the year I just had.”
She continued: ‘The unplanned… but I think a lot of people this year have had such difficult times and a lot of those here today…’
Kate put on a stylish display in a red Alexander McQueen coat, with a statement black bow, which she paired with her black Ralph Lauren boots for the occasion.
Both Prince George and Prince Louis wore festive red ties to match their mother’s outfit, while Princess Charlotte wore a red coat.
The entire Middleton family clan, who have been Kate’s dedicated support network, were also present, as were other members of the Royal Family, including Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice and the Duchess of Edinburgh.
The pregnant Beatrice was joined by her husband, Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and her stepson, Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi.
Other royal guests included the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Windsor and Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Margaret’s daughter.
The King and Queen, however, were not among the guests. However, his father-in-law donated Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the building, which will then be donated to the local community.
His Royal Highness surely waved to the crowd as he left the concert.
The Princess of Wales was joined at the family occasion by her husband William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The Princess of Wales attends the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey
Princess Charlotte and Prince George with their candles while attending the Christmas carol concert with their parents
Looking typically chic for the outing, Kate completed her festive ensemble with a red plaid skirt, her Mulberry Amberley baroque pearl earrings and a £110 gold-plated bracelet from British brand Halcyon Days.
The bracelet is believed to have been a birthday gift from Prince William in 2020 and features a subtle nod to Princess Diana as it is called the ‘Salamander Torque Forget-Me-Not & Gold Bangle’, named after the favorite flower of the late royalty.
The princess, who married Prince William in 2011 and attended the late queen’s funeral in 2022 at the abbey, said the building held “many memories” for her.
While appearing to talk about the Royal Ballet soloists who performed during the service, Kate said she had recruited Prince Louis, six, to be a surprise for her daughter Princess Charlotte, nine.
Speaking to Paloma Faith, Kate said she asked Louis: “Can you keep a secret, otherwise it won’t be a surprise to Charlotte, who loves dancing ballet?”
She said Louis agreed. He has kept the secret for almost two weeks. “Very challenging,” Paloma said.
“For a six-year-old,” Kate replied. And then this morning he said, “Mom, please, can I tell her? I’m about to burst.” I stayed and he really wanted to tell him. I think, hopefully, he’s kept it.
Charlotte later seemed excited to see the ballet dancers, suggesting that her younger brother had kept his word.