On March 30, Princess Kate shared a touching video on Instagram celebrating the U.K.’s Mothering Sunday. “Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary,” the mom of three wrote alongside a dreamy montage of flowers blooming, waves crashing and gently placing her hands on a tree. “This Mother’s Day,” she added, “let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognize how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life.”
It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since Kate’s 2024 British Mother’s Day post kicked off a chaotic chain of events that eventually led to her revealing her cancer diagnosis. (Last March, the 43-year-old royal shared a Photoshopped family portrait on social media, then publicly apologized and released a video announcing her illness a few days later.) After taking a break from royal appearances while undergoing treatment, Kate gradually began her reemergence and, in January, announced that she was in remission. Since then, she’s appeared happy and healthy at nearly a dozen engagements, both with and without husband Prince William, 42, including the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. “Kate looked wonderful,” says royal biographer Hugo Vickers after seeing her at the March 10 event.
Kate’s recovery and willingness to step up couldn’t come at a more welcome time. On March 27, Buckingham Palace released a statement saying 76-year-old King Charles III — who announced his own cancer diagnosis in February 2024 — had been briefly hospitalized due to the side effects of his treatment. As the future Queen of England, Kate is all too aware she may be called to duty sooner than expected. In preparation, she’s redefining her role as a working royal who can juggle the commitments of the crown with family life, all while prioritizing her health. “Kate’s return to royal duties has been careful and considered, reflecting her need to protect her well-being,” royal commentator Afua Acheampong-Hagan tells Us Weekly. “Her ability to manage this transition will set a precedent for how the royal family balances duty with personal well-being in the future.”
Kate the Great
For the mom of Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, motherhood has long been at the forefront of her identity. She speaks often of her children while chatting at events and has made early childhood education the primary focus of her work. According to royal commentator Amanda Matta, the challenges of the past year have “reinforced” her plans to “fully center her family while still maintaining a continued public presence.”
It’s a more contemporary way of doing things within the monarchy. “Whether it’s school drop-offs or attending her kids’ activities, Kate’s ability to blend hands-on parenting with her role reflects a modern, relatable approach to royal life,” Matta explains. William shares the same values, says Vickers: “With both of them, their young family comes first. Sometimes William has been criticized for that, but I see him very much as a good modern father as befits his generation.”
On January 14, Princess Kate Middleton reached a major milestone with her emotional return to London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, where she was treated for cancer last year. The surprise (and very personal) visit marked her first solo public engagement in a year, signaling that she’s back on the radar as an active royal after completing […]
Together, Kate and William want the monarchy to move forward, not back. Vickers believes that as king and queen, the pair will successfully “strike a balance between formality and the informal, which is appropriate for the time and connects with all age groups.”
Since Kate’s cancer revelation, the couple have been engaging in more PDA, another sign they are ditching outdated royal customs. “They’ve become more openly affectionate, sharing moments like a Valentine’s Day photo of them kissing and a family video of them canoodling,” says Matta, noting that the intimate moments suggest “a renewed honeymoon phase reflective of their deepening connection.”
Queenly Duties
Kate’s role will undoubtedly expand in the lead-up to her ascension. “She’ll likely take on more public engagements alongside William, representing the monarchy at state visits, charitable endeavors and major national events,” says Acheampong-Hagan. Despite additions to her daily diary, “her fundamental approach is unlikely to change dramatically,” shares Matta, adding that Kate has been “laying the groundwork for a steady, impact-focused style of royal service” by prioritizing long-term projects, like her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, over “quick one-offs.” Echoes Vicker: “Kate will focus on causes that interest her rather than too many general things.”
Once Kate becomes queen, she’ll have her work cut out for her. “Kate will play a crucial role in shaping the monarchy’s relationship with the public — at a time when discussions about the relevance of the royal family are ongoing,” says Acheampong-Hagan, noting that one of her biggest challenges “will be navigating the balance between tradition and modernity. Kate needs to help shape a royal family that remains connected to the public while upholding the traditions that define it.”
Matta predicts Kate will be a mix of her predecessors, the late Princess Diana and Queen Camilla. “She combines Diana’s spark and relatability with Camilla’s more thoughtful, intentional presence,” explains Matta, adding that Diana, who passed away in 1997 at age 36, was a trailblazer “who reshaped the public’s view of the monarchy with her emotional openness.” Camilla, 77, “takes a more supportive role” while focusing on her charity work outside of the spotlight. “Kate,” adds Matta, “falls somewhere between the two.”
Kate is keenly aware of striking a balance. According to Evan Nierman, founder and CEO of global PR firm Red Bayan, public opinion is the real power behind the crown, and the princess knows it. “She’s kept her approval high by keeping things tightly controlled with minimal access and maximum polish,” Nierman tells Us. (Kate currently ranks as the most popular member of the royal family.) “More recently,” adds Nierman, “she’s shifted toward a softer visibility — sharing her own photos and family moments while staying out of the fray — showing she has a clear commitment to building personal connection without sacrificing composure.”
Ready for It
For now, she’s taking things slow. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams says there’s no word yet on whether Kate plans to travel abroad for work anytime soon. (William was recently in Estonia for a two-day trip; the pair reportedly took a family vacation on the ultra-private island of Mustique in mid-February.) Royal watchers are hoping to see her attend the annual Easter service at St. George’s Chapel on April 20, and she and William will celebrate Louis’ 7th birthday on April 23. (The couple will also mark their 14th wedding anniversary on April 29.)
Beloved before her health crisis, Kate’s recent ordeal has endeared her to the public even more — and proved beyond a shadow of a doubt she can bear the weight of the crown. “Kate has already shown she has the dedication and strength to take on this role with confidence and purpose,” says Acheampong-Hagan. “Her journey from a university student to a young royal bride to a respected stateswoman has been carefully crafted, and she will likely continue to grow into one of the most influential queen consorts in modern history.”
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