It’s been a busy year for Kate Middleton, who has been returning to royal duties after revealing in January that she was in remission from cancer.
So fans were left shocked when the Princess of Wales, 43, did not attend this year’s Royal Ascot despite being expected to appear, which is often a tradition for the monarchy at the annual racing event.
Kate Middleton visiting Colchester Hospital ©STEFAN ROUSSEAU/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Now, a source reveals that palace insiders are concerned that Kate may be jumping back into her packed work schedule too soon, having only finished her chemotherapy last year.
Revealing that those close to the Princess are urging her to take it slow, the source shares, ‘Kate’s health is the number one priority for the Firm. She’s seen as being central to the future of the monarchy, and her presence is considered vital as the royal family look ahead. She’s being given the space and time she needs to fully recover, with the focus on ensuring she’s ready to step forward when it truly counts.’
During a public outing at the RHS Wellbeing Centre at Colchester Hospital last week, Kate admitted that you ‘have to find your new normal’ after completing cancer treatment, candidly saying, ‘There is a whole phase when you finish your treatment, everybody expects you to be better – go! But that’s not the case at all.’
Before Kate takes some time off, there are some work commitments she may still complete. She attended a state banquet hosted by King Charles in honour of French president Emmanuel Macron, as well as her usual appearances at Wimbledon.
Kate Middleton and Prince William with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron ©Justin Tallis – WPA Pool/Getty Images
‘There are a couple of key events in the diary before some time is blocked off. But discussions are currently taking place about whether Kate should attend. A call will be made nearer the time, or even on the day,’ the source reveals.
However, one place her attendance will be required is at this year’s Balmoral summit. Scheduled for August, the major royal meeting is set to feature secret high-level talks about the future of the monarchy. Sources have said everyone has been invited to the meeting – including the disgraced Prince Andrew, 65 – but Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been asked.
It’s no secret that Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, have ruffled feathers since their move to America in 2020, with the Duke of Sussex revealing earlier this year that his father ‘won’t speak to him’ anymore. Despite the rift, reports recently surfaced that King Charles, 76, has featured the Sussex couple ‘at the heart’ of his funeral plans, hinting that not all is lost when it comes to a potential reunion.
And while aides have been trying to avoid adding stress to Kate’s schedule, her trip to Balmoral may not be without some turmoil, as insiders say the royals will also be discussing the ongoing family crisis.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ©Raymond Hall/GC Images
The source adds, ‘Harry and Meghan will be the main focal point of discussion at the summit, and Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s future will be looked at. The future of the Wales children will also be on the agenda, as well as Kate’s position – and even Princess Eugenie and Beatrice’s ever-developing roles.’
With Prince William, 43, one day stepping up into the role he’s been preparing for all his life, the focus is also on Kate. Revealing that everyone in the Firm is keen not to push the royal beyond her means, the insider shares, ‘Kate is pivotal to the monarchy. She’s extremely popular with the British public. She’ll be given all the time she needs to rest and recharge, because there’s certainly a long road ahead – and they can’t do it without her.’
For Kate, her family is more important than ever. Despite growing royal responsibilities, sources say the Princess of Wales will continue to prioritise her young children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.
Kate with her family ©Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
The source shares, ‘For William and Kate, the children come before work commitments, so if Kate isn’t feeling her best and the children aren’t coming first, that’s when plans are reassessed. This summer will be about Kate spending quality time with the children while recharging her batteries. She’s told Wills she can’t carry on like this with a hectic work and home life schedule, so he’s agreed it needs to be scaled back.’
They add, ‘Private breaks away from the cameras are key to the royals. Not only have the Wales family been invited abroad to spend some time with friends in Spain, there’s also a lot of time planned with the Middletons at home. They’re all a very close-knit family.’
And while Kate is focusing on recuperation, palace aides are happy to wait on the sidelines for as long as necessary. ‘There’s a shared understanding behind the scenes that when the moment comes, Kate will need to be at her best. This period of stepping back a little is key to making sure that she’s fully prepared.’
GET THE BEST CELEB INTERVIEWS IN CLOSER MAGAZINE EACH WEEK ©Bauer Media
WATCH: Megan opens up on the best snacks in the villa and how she and Harry committed the perfect crime…