Kate Middleton is not rushing to return to her public duties as she focuses on her health. Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, shared with Fox News Digital that the Princess of Wales, currently undergoing cancer treatment, has the full support of King Charles and Prince William in her decision to take her time.
“King Charles and Prince William have repeatedly emphasized to the Princess of Wales that she should feel no pressure to return to public duty until she is ready,” Schofield said.
The Princess of Wales has been maintaining a low profile while undergoing preventative chemotherapy. Schofield noted that she has been seen around town looking upbeat, with neighbors and families of her children’s schoolmates being protective of her privacy.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace confirmed to Fox News Digital that Kate will not attend the traditional Colonel’s Review on June 8. Instead, she will continue to focus on her recovery. The honor of taking the salute will go to Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE. It remains unconfirmed whether the princess will attend this year’s Trooping the Colour.
Recently, a friend of the royal family told Katie Nicholl, a royal author and Vanity Fair correspondent, that Kate has “turned a corner” in her recovery. The insider mentioned that her preventative chemotherapy has been successful, and she is doing much better.
Schofield added that the king and Prince of Wales are fiercely protective of Kate, who continues to be a devoted mother to her children. “The children are wonderful and getting a lot of extra time and love from their ‘Mama’ and ‘Papa’ right now,” Schofield said. “It’s a positive sign to see Prince George attending sporting events with Prince William.”
Kate Middleton was last seen publicly during the Christmas season. She announced her cancer diagnosis in March and has been out of the public eye since her planned abdominal surgery in January. In a prerecorded message shared in March, she thanked well-wishers for their support and mentioned that she is focusing on her recovery.
Prince William has taken on public duties in her place, along with other members of the royal family. Earlier this month, he visited the Duchy of Cornwall’s housing project focused on helping homelessness.
Many royal watchers are hopeful that Kate will make an appearance at this year’s Trooping the Colour, the public celebration of the monarch’s birthday. However, Schofield believes an autumn return is more likely, as the royals typically take a significant break after Trooping the Colour.
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that there might be more announcements from the Princess of Wales, whether she appears at Trooping the Colour or not. “The response I have been receiving from my colleague who is in daily contact with Prince William is that Kate is progressing very well with the support of her husband and children,” said Pelham Turner.
He suggested that low-key charity appearances might be more appropriate for Kate, as she would not want to take the focus away from King Charles. “She may even resort to another video before a public appearance to thank people across the world who sent millions of messages of support,” he shared.
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that Kate has been spending quiet time with loved ones. “Although low-key and privately, Kate has been visiting friends and attending family events,” Fordwich claimed. “While focused on as much normalcy as possible for her young children, all the signs from her private visits are positive.”
Fordwich also revealed that Kate has been receiving plenty of support from the public, with her staff inundated with tens of thousands of get-well cards and well wishes.
Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” told Fox News Digital that it would be “thrillingly assuring” if the princess participated in Trooping the Colour. Even a brief appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony would boost the public’s spirits, he argued.
“The Princess of Wales knows better than anyone what message it would send if she were absent, so I think she’ll make that gesture if it’s at all possible,” said Andersen. “Unfortunately, at the moment, it appears that she may not be physically up to the challenge.”
Kate’s priority is to beat cancer so she can be there for her children. She is not about to be pressured by anyone, including palace officials, to return to work before she is ready. William is very protective of his wife and wouldn’t allow it.
King Charles, meanwhile, is gradually resuming some of his public duties and planning to be present for Trooping the Colour. “King Charles isn’t about to miss his official birthday party, one of the key annual events that, through its pomp and pageantry, defines the monarchy itself,” Andersen continued.
In her March video message, Kate expressed gratitude for the support she has received and mentioned that she is focusing on her recovery. “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body, and spirits,” she said. “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.”
