Catherine, Princess of Wales, better known to most as the elegant and poised Kate Middleton, is the wife of Prince William and mother to three. Throughout the years, we’ve been able to see a glimpse of George, Charlotte, and Louis, seeing how they are growing up as part of the royal family and adjusting to their titles. A graduate in art history from St Andrews (where she first met Prince William), Middleton has long championed early childhood, mental health, and the power of nature through her charitable work.
Unfortunately, in March 2024, after abdominal surgery, she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer and was beginning chemotherapy. Later that year, in September 2024, she completed chemo, and by January 2025, she announced she was in remission.
The Recovery Roller-Coaster
Back in public life but not back to “normal.” During a July 2, 2025, visit to Colchester Hospital’s RHS Wellbeing Garden, Middleton spoke candidly about where she was today, mentally and physically.
“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually that phase afterwards is really, really difficult.” She added that post-treatment life feels like a “roller-coaster,” and that “you go through hard times … you have to find your new normal and that takes time.”
Indeed, as one royal source put it, “She was really seriously ill last year… you can feel very unwell for a long time afterwards. It can take years [to recover]” And insiders emphasize she “won’t be rushed” in her recovery—this pace is intentional.”
Easing Back into Royal Life: Slow & Steady
Kate’s return isn’t about headlines or dramatic appearances; it’s thoughtful and paced. But honestly, we wouldn’t expect more from her since this has always been her style. She’s known to really attend and make an impact on organizations that she believes need help and will make a change in the world. Especially when it comes to children and their health. In June 2024, she appeared at Trooping the Colour, her first high-profile outing since treatment began.
In July 2024, she attended Wimbledon’s men’s final with her daughter, Charlotte. Later, several were worried after she missed the Royal Ascot in June 2025, but according to sources, it was due to her being overwhelmed. Middleton was “listening to what her body is telling her,” and that withdrawal is part of pacing. On July 2, 2025, she planted “Catherine’s Rose” plants at the Colchester Hospital garden, supporting cancer wellbeing and planting a symbol of renewal.
Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman, Ailsa Anderson, noted, “She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life.”
What’s Next for Kate Middleton & Where She’s Headed
The royal couple is reportedly embracing a fresh chapter in their personal lives too. They’re moving from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom “forever home” in Windsor Great Park, which is a symbolic shift, after a tumultuous few years that included cancer diagnoses, a royal death, and upheaval.
This new home is entirely privately funded, will have no live-in staff, and is about stability, family, and simplicity. It truly shows how the family values cling to during this healing period.
Meanwhile, Middleton continues to champion nature as a balm for healing. Her “Mother Nature: Summer” video (narrated but not onscreen) celebrates connection, creativity, and the outdoors—themes central to her recovery journey.
Middleton’s recovery is real, raw, and unfolding on her terms. She’s in remission but not out of the woods emotionally. The “new normal” is mission-critical, which is slow, thoughtful, and emotionally honest. We don’t blame her, and what she went through has been terrifying, so she truly deserves a break. Through heartfelt public moments, private family time, and nature-led healing, she’s building back her life, building herself back. And that? That’s a comeback worth pausing for.
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How Kate Middleton Balances Recovery & Royal Life After Cancer Diagnosis