Kate Middleton has returned with a different look in her eyes, a new perspective on life, and an innovative way of being a royal.
Princess Kate was mainly absent for the year 2024. It was not by choice. Middleton announced in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
The news came weeks after she underwent major abdominal surgery. Around the same time, King Charles III revealed his two major health woes — a surgery for an enlarged prostate and the discovery that he was battling an unnamed cancer.
Life was hitting the monarchy hard and fast. Catherine, Princess of Wales, disappeared from the spotlight to undergo treatment and recuperate from the medical issues.
Over the summer, Princess Kate had a significant breakthrough — she completed the chemotherapy and is working to remain cancer-free.
The illness changed Kate Middleton and Prince William. They have consciously decided to redefine the role of royals, choosing to be more open and accessible than ever before.
They shared a heartfelt and high-budget home video where they were seen like never before. That video foretold the new narrative of the British monarchy.
Kate Middleton, a woman and an outsider, will have a central role, something that has never been allowed before.
The Wall Street Journal broke down how scandals, drama, and PR nightmares derailed other women who were given entry to the monarchy: “Outsiders ushered into the House of Windsor rarely fare well, especially if they are women and arrive brimming with ambition. Think of the actress formerly known as Meghan Markle, who didn’t realize she had to learn the words to “God Save the Queen,” suddenly hounded by paparazzi, chafing under regal protocol and encouraging her husband, Prince Harry, to give up royal duties. Or Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who, after marrying Prince Edward, tried to run a PR agency before being caught in a News of the World sting saying unfortunate things about fellow royals (she quit her job to successfully focus on royal duties). Or Prince Andrew‘s ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, a seemingly carefree character who was snapped having her toes sucked by an American paramour.”
By remaining scandal-free and avoiding controversial interviews and speeches, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has established herself as a role model for millions.
However, the monarchy needed more than a role model. Risa Heller, chief executive of public affairs firm Risa Heller Communications, said: “No one is waiting around for the royal family to engage in radical transparency. The whole purpose of the royal family is to give people a glimpse into something they don’t have access to. It’s an unattainable thing.”
Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis has transformed her and made it possible to redefine the purpose of the monarchy. Princes Kate can now give supporters in England and worldwide something attainable — a fighting spirit.
Kate Middleton’s warrior energy was on full display at her first royal engagement after her cancer treatments in the Windsor Castle offices.
She met with Liz Hatton, a 16-year-old “suffering from an aggressive form of cancer, brought her camera to photograph an investiture that William was hosting,” according to Vanity Fair.
Princess Kate did her best to spread some of her courage and determination with the teen during a private meeting.
For her second appearance since completing chemo, The Princess of Wales made an emotional pilgrimage to Southport to “comfort the families of the three girls who lost their lives in July’s knife attack tragedy.”
The Daily Mail revealed: “In her most significant public engagement this year, Catherine, 42, joined Prince William to meet with the families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. They also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters as a knifeman attacked them during a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday class. Afterward, the couple spoke to emergency responders who attended and helped on “the day.”
This year has been hellish for the future Queen, who was dubbed a racist royal and struggled with health issues and photo dramas.
Yet, with grace and dignity, she has shown resilience to keep fighting and progressing towards her goal of having a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life with her family — something anyone and everyone can aspire to.
