The Princess of Wales is planning her return to royal duties this autumn, according to insiders.
After bravely revealing her cancer diagnosis in March, Kate Middleton has been largely absent from public life this year. The royal attended Trooping the Colour in June along with other members of the royal family, before watching the gentlemen’s singles final at Wimbledon weeks later. Following her brave video message in the spring, in which she told the world of her illness, she has also released a statement about the disease and her hopes of recovery.
Now, with Prince William returning to royal engagements as the new school term begins, the princess is looking ahead at her diary for the coming months. According to The Times, it’s understood she has set her sights on “potentially” joining the royal family at the Cenotaph for the National Service of Remembrance on November 10. Aides have also started planning for her televised Together at Christmas carol service, which takes place each year at Westminster Abbey in December.
Yet all the plans remain tentative, with the princess’ recovery still of paramount importance and there is no expectation for Princess Kate to return to a full diary anytime soon. One friend said, “People know and understand it is a long journey to recovery.”
She is, however, quietly continuing her work in the background, away from the public spotlight. Princess Catherine has been balancing her life as a mother of three young children with the work she can continue from home. The royal has reportedly been taking regular meetings with her private secretary, Tom White, her assistant private secretary, Natalie Burrows, and the Kensington Palace communications secretary, Lee Thompson, to plan for the future. Meanwhile she has been sharing the school run with Prince William, joining other parents to watch school plays and sports matches. Her parents, whom Kate is known to be particularly close to, have often joined the couple to cheer their children on.
