'I'm giving myself time to heal': Royals led by William will support Kate on her 'significant' return to the duties today - but Princess faces a reduced schedule for months, spending 'good days' working from home and relaxing in nature, sources say
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The royal family, led by Prince William, will support the Princess of Wales as she make her 'significant' return to public duties today.
Kate, 42, has been absent from public duties for five months while she underwent 'preventative chemotherapy' for an undisclosed form of cancer.
But she is set to accompany her three children in a carriage during the Trooping the Colour parade today and join King Charles, Queen Camilla and the other senior family members on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the high-profile event.
While her attendance at today's festivities will undoubtedly be a 'significant moment', it has been strongly stressed that Kate's appearance should not be seen as a return to a full schedule of public engagements quite yet.
The Princess shared in an emotional statement yesterday that she has been giving herself 'much needed time to heal' and like most cancer patients has both 'good days and bad days'.
However, it can now be revealed that Kate has begun to work from home, spends time relaxing in nature and is hopeful 'to join a few public engagements over the summer'.
Kate, 42, who revealed back in March that she was undergoing 'preventative chemotherapy' for an undisclosed form of the disease, released a candid statement yesterday saying she is making 'good progress' in her treatment
The Princess of Wales is set to accompany her three children in a carriage during the Trooping the Colour parade today and join King Charles, Queen Camilla and the other senior family members on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the high-profile event. She is pictured with her husband Prince William and their children during last year's Trooping of the Colour
Kate has started to work a little from home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, even holding meetings with her private secretary and senior staff, the Mail can reveal.
In addition to briefings from her team at Kensington Palace, The Royal Foundation and the Centre for Early Childhood, the Princess has also started to undertake meetings relating to her work and projects.
From now on, these will be documented in the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements.
The Princess, whose official statement about her health yesterday was accompanied by a photograph of her standing beneath a tree at Windsor Castle, is understood to have found solace in nature during this time.
Palace insiders told The Telegraph that she 'has found spending time in nature to help her recovery'. But the sources added that 'resting has not come naturally' to Kate, however she is 'trying' to do so.
Kate has undergone preventative chemotherapy since her cancer announcement in March, and while treatment is ongoing, her improved health means she may make more public appearances in the near future.
The Princess, who admitted she is 'not out of the woods yet', is not expected to attend Garter Day and the Royal Ascot, sources have said, but note that Wimbledon, the Japanese State Visit, and other engagements are still possible.
Her return to public duty will surely be supported by her family, especially her husband William.
A spokesman for the Prince of Wales, when asked how he was doing at such a difficult time for his family, said: 'The Prince is pleased to see The Princess starting to engage with the work and projects that are important to her.
'He will continue to focus his time on supporting his wife and children, while continuing to undertake his public duties.'
Charles, who has also been undergoing treatment for cancer, said he is 'delighted' that his daughter-in-law will be in attendance at today's events.
The monarch, 75, returned to public duties in April, and has remained busy, although his diary commitments are being limited to minimise risks to his recovery.
Today's busy, high-profile appearance to celebrate the King's birthday will also mark the first time that Charles and Kate have been publicly seen together since undergoing their respective treatments.
A spokesman for the Prince of Wales, when asked how he was doing at such a difficult time for his family, said: 'The Prince is pleased to see The Princess starting to engage with the work and projects that are important to her. He will continue to focus his time on supporting his wife and children, while continuing to undertake his public duties.' Kate and William are pictured together at a service to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Davids Cathedral on September 8, 2023
King Charles is set to welcome the Princess of Wales back to public duties today at the Trooping the Colour parade. It will mark the first time the monarch and future Queen have been publicly seen together since undergoing their respective treatments. Charles and Kate are pictured together in September 2021
Kate today will ride in a state carriage down the Mall alongside her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, for the traditional Trooping the Colour procession.
The Princess and her children will watch the parade from the Major General's Office. Prince William will be taking part in the parade on horseback.
Later, Kate is expected to gather with the King, the Prince of Wales and other royals on Buckingham Palace's balcony for the fly-past.
The future Queen, in her personal statement yesterday, said that she was 'looking forward to attending the King's Birthday Parade this weekend with my family'.
It is understood that Kate spoke to the King in advance about her attendance during today's festivities.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said yesterday: 'His Majesty is delighted that The Princess is able to attend tomorrow's events and is very much looking forward to all elements of the day.'
The Princess is and remains the Colonel of the Irish Guards but under the circumstances, Lieutenant General James Bucknall is taking the salute on her behalf.
No10 and The Cabinet Office have been informed of The Princess' decision to attend Trooping, and they have informed the opposition parties.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed the development as 'wonderful news', saying during a press conference at the G7 in Italy: 'It's obviously wonderful, wonderful news. The whole country will be behind the Princess of Wales for her recovery.
'I saw her statement earlier, I thought it was brave, I thought it was honest and I'm sure it will bring an enormous amount of comfort to so many other people who are grappling with similar health challenges, so I think she deserves enormous praise for what she said and it will be great to see her there tomorrow.'
Asked how the princess was feeling, a Kensington Palace spokesman said yesterday: 'As she has said she is making good progress and is looking forward to joining the family tomorrow.
'As she said in her message, and as anyone receiving chemotherapy will know, she has good days and bad days.'
Kensington Palace said it will be not commenting further on her treatment and how long it is expected to last.
A stunning new portrait of the Princess of Wales taken at Windsor this week by Matt Porteous
The statement from the Princess of Wales which has been issued by Kensington Palace yesterday
The Princess penned a moving personal message today thanking the public for their support over her cancer diagnosis, saying she has been 'blown away' by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months.
'It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times,' she wrote.
She revealed her treatment is ongoing and will be for several months to come. But Kate said she is experiencing 'good days and bad days' as she undergoes chemotherapy.
She has begun to work from home, undertaking meetings with her foundation and Kensington Palace team, and hopes 'to join a few public engagements over the summer' she shared, but stressed: 'I am not out of the woods yet'.
She said in her statement: 'I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting.
'But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.
'My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.'
She added: 'I'm looking forward to attending the King's Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
'I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.
'Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.'
To mark the news Kensington Palace have also released a stunning new portrait of the princess taken at Windsor Castle this week by Matt Porteous showing her looking well and in a reflective mood.
King Charles is 'delighted' by the Princess of Wales ' brave decision to attend the Trooping the Colour as she continues to battle cancer, a Buckingham spokesperson has said. Charles is pictured with Queen Camilla on March 31, 2024 in Windsor
Kate was last seen at a royal event attending church at Sandringham on December 25, 2023
(From left) Prince George, Kate, Prince Louis, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023
The Princess first announced that she had cancer on March 22.
In a hugely moving video statement, recorded at Windsor, she revealed that she had been diagnosed following serious abdominal surgery in January and was already undergoing 'preventative' chemotherapy.
In the video - which had been filmed just two days earlier - Catherine revealed the news had come as a 'huge shock' and that she and William 'have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family'.
'It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok,' she said.
'As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.
'Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.'
Kensington Palace said at the time that it would not be sharing details of what kind of cancer the princess has, or what stage of cancer it is and asked people not to speculate.
At the time of her abdominal surgery in January, Kensington Palace said that it was non-cancerous. They confirmed again in March that is the case and that no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer.
However post-operative tests subsequently found that cancer 'had been present'.
March 22 -- Kate reveals in a video that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy
While her attendance at Trooping the Colour will undoubtedly be a 'significant moment', it has been strongly stressed that it should not be seen as a return to a full schedule of public engagements.
As Kensington Palace said in March, the Princess may be keen to attend events over the course of the summer, as and when she feels able to, with the support and guidance of her medical team.
Any future engagements will be announced closer to the time, although the Mail understands that Kate will not be present at Monday's Order of the Garter ceremony or Royal Ascot next week.
However in further good news, it is understood that the Princess is feeling well enough to start working from home a little and has been holding meetings at Windsor.
It is believed that the Princess' medical team have advised that going about her normal life and doing some of the things she enjoys is an integral part of her recovery.
In addition to briefings from her team at Kensington Palace, the Royal Foundation and the Centre for Early Childhood, the Princess has started to undertake some meetings relating to her work and projects.
From now on, these meetings will be documented in the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements.
However sources have stressed that while the Princess is doing well, she is continuing her course of preventative chemotherapy and it is important that she and her family continue to be afforded the space and privacy they need to prioritise her recover.
It is thought that the Princess chose to dip back into the public spotlight for her first public appearance at Trooping because family is so important to her and she wanted to be there to support husband and children.
Sources have stressed that she should be continue to be allowed to live a 'normal private life', particularly while she recovers.
Her return to work is considered one of the first steps to regaining her strength.
The Mail exclusively revealed last month that the princess had been swamped with the thousands and thousands of cards, letters and gifts, many of them from people sharing their own personal stories.
She has taken the time to read as many as possible personally and has been 'really touched'.
2019 -- William and Kate at Trooping the Colour with their children in London on June 8, 2019
One of the main highlights of the previous Trooping the Colour is when Louis was in a carriage with his siblings and visibly held his nose and scrunched up his face as a reaction to a strong smell of horse manure
As for her future programme, sources stressed that the Princess is having to deal with uncertainty like any other cancer patient, and will attend events as and when she feels able to, with the full support and guidance of her medical team.
No firm decisions have been made on specific engagements over the coming months.
Insiders stressed that she must continue to prioritise her recovery and every treatment pathway for someone with cancer is unique and unpredictable.
They also urged against recent speculation about the Princess' recovery and eventual return to work, which has been 'amplified' by social media.
Sources close to her emphasised that it is considered extremely unhelpful and puts further pressure on the princess and her family.
They insist she continues to need time, space and privacy.
2017 -- Philip speaks to William and Kate at Trooping The Colour in London on June 17, 2017
Kate is likely to ride in a carriage with her three children George, 10, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, while Prince William attends the event, as is tradition, on horseback (Pictured from left: Prince George riding with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte back in 2022)
The new portrait of the Princess shows Kate in casual wear - jeans, a beige linen blazer and trainers, with her wedding and engagement rings on show staring wistfully but with an air of positivity into the distance.
It was taken by Mr Porteous, a favourite private photographer of the couple, on the Windsor estate earlier this week.
Sources have suggested that as the Princess herself said in her message, she enjoys spending personal time on the things that give her energy and positivity and connecting with nature is something that continue to support her recovery.
Prince William has continued to put on a brave face while juggling royal duties with looking after his family as his wife battles cancer.
The mother-of-three's last official public appearance was at Sandringham on Christmas Day, when she was pictured smiling with her husband and the rest of her family.
During her absence from public life, Kate had abdominal surgery and then revealed on March 23 that she was undergoing 'preventative chemotherapy' for an undisclosed form of cancer.
She was also subjected to cruel conspiracy theories about her whereabouts and health - while she was forced to apologise after editing an official Mother's Day photograph.
But after months away, Kate will be making an appearance at the Trooping the Colour today - something William will no doubt welcome after having to mask his personal pain and reassure the public she is 'doing well' for several weeks.
Prince William will have the Princess of Wales back by his side as she returns for the Trooping the Colour today. The couple are pictured together at Horse Guards Parade on November 21, 2023 in London
In her message the Princess says she has been 'blown away' by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months
The Prince of Wales initially postponed engagements to look after Kate but returned to duties on April 18 where he visited a food distribution charity in Surrey before heading to a nearby youth centre in west London.
Here, he promised to 'look after' his wife and was handed two get well soon cards, addressed to Kate and King Charles - who has also been battling cancer.
The Prince of Wales also visited Birmingham in April, where he surprised a young schoolboy who had invited the royal to see their mental health initiatives.
At the end of April, he told royal fans that Kate was 'doing well' during a walkabout in Newcastle, where he visited a suicide prevention charity.
In May, William was spotted watching his boyhood club Aston Villa play Olympiacos in the UEFA Conference League semi-final, while he also handed out honours at Windsor Castle.
Later in the month, the prince - otherwise known as the Duke of Cornwall - took a trip down to the south west where he showed off his volleyball skills on the beach.
He was then given command of Prince Harry's former Army regiment by King Charles in Hampshire in what was the father and son's first joint engagement sine 2022.
During the busy month, he also gave a speech at the Royal Society in London, attended the Sovereign's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, carried out another investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and went to the FA Cup final as President of the FA with his son, George.
APRIL 18: The Prince of Wales initially postponed engagements to look after Kate but returned to duties in April where he visited a food distribution charity in Surrey
APRIL 25: Prince William speaks with students of the Matrix Project, during a visit to St Michael's Church of England High School in Sandwell, West Midlands
APRIL 25: The Prince of Wales surprised a young schoolboy who had invited the royal to see their mental health initiatives
This month, William gave a speech at the D-Day celebrations in Portsmouth and France, attended the society wedding of the year in Chester and visited the England football squad at St George's Park before they travelled to Germany for the Euros.
He most recently visited Cardiff on June 11, where he revealed he never played golf again after being hit on the head by a club as a child - while admiring seaweed-made golf tees.
William has carried out all of these events while juggling looking after his family and most importantly, Kate.
During a number of these events, royal fans have asked for updates on Kate or passed on their best wishes.
He has played an active role and engaged with members of the public, whilst coping with his wife's illness and looking after their children.
The parents are known for their hands-on and down-to-earth approach to parenting, and both have an active role in caring for their children.
Juggling parenting with other responsibilities will not be anything new for William, who typically combines it with royal duties.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are reported to be 'like a normal mum and dad' who throw themselves into events at their children's school, sources have claimed.
William will be heading to Germany for the Euros next week - in another sign that Catherine is recovering well.
At the D-Day event last week, William said that she was 'doing better' - and the news that she will be returning to public duties today is a massive boost for the nation.
Speaking to a veteran in a wheelchair, he said: 'She is better, thanks. She would've loved to be here today.'
APRIL 30: Prince William, Prince of Wales speaks to the public as he visits James' Place Newcastle
MAY 2: The Prince of Wales in the stands before the UEFA Conference League semi-final between his boyhood club Aston Villa and Olympiacos
Before the England squad left for Germany, William was in good spirits as he shared some advice that his youngest son, Louis, had shared.
He said: 'Guys, while I was on the way here, I was thinking what shall I say. And I thought what can I offer as you are all an experienced team here with Gareth and I was thinking what could I say to help before you went away?
'And I was on the school run this morning with the children and I said 'What shall I say to the England team today'.
'The best bit of advice I got was to eat twice the amount you would normally eat. And I now have visions of all of you running around with massive tummies and getting stitches on the pitch. So I think take my youngest's advice with a pinch of salt!'
England captain Harry Kane responded: 'I don't think our nutritionist will be happy with that advice.'
It was March when Kate ended months of speculation about her whereabouts by shocking the world with her cancer scare.
But throughout that all, William put on a brave face during royal duties.
In February, he spoke to Holocaust survivor Renee Salt at the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in central London where he took part in discussions about the rise in anti-Semitism in Britain.
MAY 8: Sir Bill Beaumont, from Lytham, Chair, World Rugby, is made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle
MAY 9: The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in Cornwall, is shown plans during a visit to Nansledan in Newquay, to see the site where the Duchy of Cornwall's first ever innovative housing project to help address homelessness will be built
MAY 9: The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in Cornwall, plays volleyball during a visit to Fistrall Beach in Newquay
MAY 10: Prince William, Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in Cornwall, breaks ground for the new facility during a visit to St. Mary's Community Hospital
MAY 13: King Charles III and Prince William, Prince of Wales share a joke during the official handover in which King Charles III passes the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army air corps to Prince William
MAY 21: Prince William meets guests at a Garden Party at Buckingham PalacE
MAY 22: Footballer Lauren Hemp is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Britain's Prince William at Windsor Castle
It was his first public appearance after pulling out of the memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine II of Greece, which was reportedly when he found out about his wife's diagnosis.
Then, just three days before Kate's emotional video announcement, William attended a conference to help end homelessness in the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield.
During his visit to the Western Marble Arch Synagogue, William was seen holding Ms Salt's hand, as the 95-year-old said to him: 'I'm sorry, I'm sure that if your wife would've been well, she would've been here. I miss her so much. Give her my best wishes, please.'
She spoke of her experiences at a Nazi concentration camp, prompting William to ask: 'How did you manage?'
She replied: 'It wasn't easy. Somehow I survived.' William held her hand when she described how her family were affected by the rise in antisemitism in recent months.
William told her: 'I'm so sorry it's got to this stage, it will get better.'
He added: 'We were going to come closer to the Holocaust memorial day but unfortunately we had to move it but glad to be able to meet today.'
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, gave William a bouquet of flowers for Kate as they stood with Rabbi Daniel Epstein, who has headed up the Marble Arch synagogue since 2021 with his wife Illana.
MAY 25: The Prince of Wales and Prince George speak with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola following the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium
JUNE 5: The Prince of Wales speaks at the UK's national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, hosted by the Ministry of Defence on Southsea Common in Portsmouth
JUNE 6: prince William, the Prince of Wales, greets Canadian veterans at a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day at Juno Beach in Courseulles-sur-Mer, Normandy, France
JUNE 6: William attends the international ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the 1944 D-Day landings
Three days before Kate's emotional video announcement, William also attended a conference to help end homelessness in the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield.
When the topic of childhood was raised by Sheffield City Council chief executive Kate Josephs, William immediately remarked about the success of Kate's early years projects.
Holding his palms out and smiling, he said: 'Venturing into my wife's territory here. She needs to be sat here to hear this.'
The sweet remark was touching at the time but even more so now that we know why Kate was unable to attend.
Returning to duties for the first time after his wife's abdominal surgery and his father's cancer diagnosis the Prince of Wales hosted a gala dinner for the Air Ambulance service and gave a speech.
Despite everything going on in his personal life he still managed to crack a joke, he said: 'I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days. It means a great deal to us all.'It's fair to say the past few weeks have had a rather 'medical' focus. So I thought I'd come to an air ambulance function to get away from it all!'
JUNE 7: Prince William, Prince of Wales departs after the wedding of The Duke of Westminster and Olivia Grosvenor, Duchess of Westminster at Chester Cathedral
JUNE 10: Prince William visits the England team ahead of them leaving for the Euros
JUNE 11: William's most recent public engagement was a visit to Cardiff
Kate's presence at today's festivities will also be reassuring for her children as they watch the fly-past from the Buckingham Palace balcony - where Prince Louis famously covered his ears to block out the noise in 2022.
While the day is centred around marking the official birthday of the British Sovereign and the display of military precision, the Prince and Princess of Wales' children usually steal the show with their playful antics.
Last year, he was particularly expressive on the Buckingham Palace balcony, pulling faces and playing up to the camera.
Despite more than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, 400 musicians and a flyover of 70 aircraft, Louis was the star of the historic day.
Fans were delighted to see his signature 'window wiper wave' during the appearance, where he was spotted doing a small dance, as well as a military-style salute.
Later on the balcony, Louis was seen saluting as he waved at crowds to celebrate the Trooping the Colour parade.
The adorable royal was also seen throwing his fists in the air and pouting as his mother Kate looked at him with pride and amusement.
One of the main highlights of the flypast above Buckingham Palace saw 18 Typhoon fighter jets spelling out the King's monogram 'CR' - short for Charles Rex.
As the planes zoomed overhead Kate encouraged Prince George to wave to the crowds as she smoothed down Prince Louis' hair and urged him to face the crowd.
Last year, Louis was particularly expressive on the Buckingham Palace balcony, pulling faces and playing up to the camera
Last year, Trooping the Colour was full of smiles, laughter and gentle chaos as the younger royals pulled funny faces on the balcony
Prince Louis stole the show as he gave a cheeky salute to the adoring crowds cheering his grandad King Charles's official birthday
It's also thought that Princess Charlotte was 'getting impatient' during a conversation with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, according to the Mirror.
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman suggested she was asking how long the event would last, according to the outlet.
So it's no surprise that Kate was keen to attend and guide her children through the high profile event.
Ahead of her appearance, Kate penned a moving personal message thanking the public for their support over her cancer diagnosis and revealing she is looking forward to attending the traditional ceremonial day.