While Kate Middleton’s life has certainly changed due to her cancer diagnosis, things haven’t actually changed much at home. That, according to a royal author, is “key” to the Princess of Wales’s ongoing recovery.
A ‘sense of normalcy’ is ‘key’ to Kate’s recovery
Speaking to the New York Post, royal commentator and author Christopher Andersen explained why things for the Wales family of five—Prince William, Kate, and their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6—still had a “sense of normally” as the future queen underwent treatment after being diagnosed with cancer in early 2024.
“Since Kate’s cancer diagnosis, the children have been more sensitive to their mother’s needs for a little more peace and quiet than usual,” Andersen said. “But their overall family dynamic— the hectic schedule of school, after-class activities, birthday parties, and play dates that fill the calendar—hasn’t changed.”
“That continuing sense of normalcy has without doubt been key to Kate’s recovery,” he added.
The Prince of Wales, 42, took a step back from his royal duties to be home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, England, presumably shuttling the kids to and from school and their various activities. Kate’s mom, Carole Middleton, has reportedly helped out a lot, too. Additionally, George, Charlotte, and Louis are said to have become a little more independent at home, making snacks themselves.
Kate hasn’t made a ‘full recovery’ since completing cancer treatment
Despite previously saying she’s getting stronger with every passing day Kate’s not back to 100% just yet. In the unusually personal video she released on Sept. 9, 2024, announcing she’s cancer-free after completing treatment, Kate admitted that she had a “long” way to go.
Her “focus,” she said, is “stay[ing] cancer-free,” noting the “path to healing and full recovery is long.” Because of that, she intended to “take each day as it comes.”
William gave an update on Kate’s health when he went to Cape Town, South Africa, for the 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards. (Kate usually attends, but she skipped the ceremony this year.) He said she’s doing “really well” and has been “amazing this whole year,” (via BBC).
She’s hosting her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6
The “sense of normalcy” is slowly but surely filtering out beyond the walls of Adelaide Cottage. Kate is hosting her annual concert, Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, on Dec. 6, 2024, at Westminster Abbey in London, England. Just like in previous years, a big turnout from Kate’s fellow royals is expected before the service is broadcast in the U.K. on Christmas Eve.
It comes after Kate returned to another staple on her calendar, the royal family’s Remembrance Day (Veterans Day) festivities. She joined William and King Charles III at the annual Royal Albert Hall performance on Nov. 9, 2024, before attending a service the following day.
Although Kate’s made several appearances since completing chemotherapy she isn’t officially back to work yet. Kensington Palace has yet to formally announce her return to royal duties.
