As Kate Middleton recovers from her “brutal” health battle this year, Kensington Palace is keeping a firm hold on the royal schedule heading into the New Year.
The Princess of Wales, who announced her cancer diagnosis in March this year, completed nine months of treatment in September. During that time, Kate only made a handful of appearances but has started to appear at bigger events in the last couple of months.
While the palace has taken an optimistic view of Kate’s health, a royal expert has revealed that the Queen’s future return to public royal engagements will be subject to a strict rule.
“The royals have made it really clear that the Princess of Wales’ return to public life will be a surprise,” said historian and royal author Gareth Russell. GB News.
“It’s a great reminder to all of us that the recovery process can come in fits and starts,” he continued. “And also, that there will be events that she can do and events that she can’t, and that for someone going through this type of treatment, there will be events that they have to miss.”
Russell suggested that Kate, who is the mother of Prince William’s three young children, would not be celebrating at short notice. However the author hopes to “see a long-term return to public duty” from the Princess of Wales.
The update comes after the royal family appeared in Norfolk for a traditional Christmas walk.
Kate and William were joined by their children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, Prince Louis, 6 – as onlookers gave them a warm welcome.
The Wells family also received Christmas presents as they happily chatted with the waiting crowd.
While there is still uncertainty about Kate’s future appearances, William hinted that his wife will accompany him on an international tour next year.