Princess Kate 'forever changed' after having 'wake-up call' amid cancer ordeal
The Princess of Wales underwent cancer treatment last year
Kate, Princess of Wales has been left “forever changed” following her cancer battle in 2024, a royal expert has said.
The mother-of-three, 43, underwent chemotherapy last year and recently announced that she is now in remission.
A royal expert has detailed how the experience has reshaped Kate‘s outlook and priorities.
Princess Kate ‘forever changed’ after cancer battle
Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent and royal author Katie Nicholl revealed on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show how the princess balanced her royal duties and parenting amid her health struggles.
“She did a lot of running up and down the country, juggling that with the three children and the overseas tours,” Katie said. “People would be quite surprised to learn just how hands-on William and Catherine are as parents.”
The health ordeal, Katie explained, became a “wake-up call” for Kate.
She said: “Well, it’s a wake up call, isn’t it? This is a real reality check for her. And so I think it’s a case of what Kensington Palace are describing as a very gradual return to work that’s very much on her terms. And I think that’s how it should be.”
Earlier this month, Princess Kate made a solo visit to Royal Marsden Hospital. Kate underwent her cancer treatment at the hospital last year.
The visit also marked her first official solo engagement in 2025.
“It was deeply significant that she chose to visit the place where we now know she was treated,” Katie continued. “It was poignant. And I think what we’re seeing her do is use that unique spotlight that she has to put it on a really important cause.”
How Princess of Wales will return to duties in 2025
According to royal experts, 2025 will mark a new chapter for Kate and the royal family.
Expert Katie noted that the princess plans to carefully select engagements to focus on her children and her health while balancing her royal duties.
She said Kate is “going to cherry-pick quite carefully the engagements she wants to be at”. Katie also said the Princess of Wales will have a “new perspective on life now her priority is her children”.
Kate is also “incredibly dutiful,” according to Katie, and is “absolutely dedicated to the job”.
Well, it’s a wake up call, isn’t it? This is a real reality check for her.
One highly-anticipated appearance could see Kate make a potential return to the BAFTAs in February 2025.
Having missed the 2024 event, reports suggest BAFTA organisers are preparing for her return.
Amid speculation of a short royal tour for Kate in 2025, Katie emphasised that it will depend on her health.
Who is Kate, Princess of Wales?
Kate was born on January 9, 1982, making her 43 years old. She was born to Michael and Carole Middleton in Berkshire.
Kate married into the royal family in April 2011.
What did Kate, Princess of Wales do before marrying Prince William?
Before their 2011 wedding, Kate and William had dated for many years after meeting at St Andrews University in Scotland.
After graduating, Kate worked in retail and for her family's business, Party Pieces.
Tying the knot with Prince William
On April 29, 2011, William and Kate married at Westminster Abbey. It was branded the "wedding of the century" with millions watching the nuptials worldwide.
Kate then became a respected and favourite member within the monarchy as she began performing duties alongside her husband.
The couple have three children - Prince George, born in July 2013, Princess Charlotte, born in May 2015, and Prince Louis, who they welcomed in April 2018.
The family currently live at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park just east of Windsor Castle. Their eldest, son George, is currently second in line to the throne behind his grandfather King Charles and dad Prince William.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales - a title previously held by William's late mother Princess Diana.
When William becomes monarch one day, Kate will become Queen Consort.
Kate's cancer diagnosis
Kate faced one of her most challenging years in 2024 after her cancer diagnosis. She announced the news publicly in March of that year. She underwent treatment and announced the end of that in September 2024.
Then, in January 2025, the Princess of Wales announced she was in remission with her cancer and would slowly return to her royal duties.
For Kate, this journey has been one of reflection.
In a brave statement released earlier this month, she expressed gratitude for being in remission but acknowledged the adjustment required after such a life-altering experience.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” Kate said. “I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
Read more: Inside Princess Kate’s ‘new normal’ after cancer remission news and how she’ll return to duties
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