Kensington Palace Provides Update on Kate Middleton's Return to Work

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Kate Middleton is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy amid her cancer diagnosis and hasn't been seen in an official capacity since the royal family's annual Christmas walk on December 25, 2023. The Princess of Wales is, understandably, taking time off from work as she focuses on her health and recovery, and it's unclear when she might return to public engagements. Here's what we know.

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What Kate Middleton Has Said

The Princess of Wales has only made one public statement about her return to royal duties, when she announced her cancer diagnosis on March 22, 2024. She said, in part, "We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I am able—but for now, I must focus on making a full recovery."

Kate also reassured the public that "I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirit. 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."

What the Palace Has Said

Also on March 22, 2024, the palace gave a statement to People saying, "The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery." They also said her husband Prince William "will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since the start of the year."

Prince William himself updated members of the public during a royal engagement over a month later on April 30, saying, "All doing well, thank you. Yes, we're doing well."

Meanwhile, Town & Country reported that the palace "will not be commenting on an end date for [Kate's] chemo treatment, as it is subject to medical advice."

Most recently (on May 21), a Kensington Palace spokesperson told the BBC "The princess is not expected to return to work until it's cleared by her medical team."

What Sources Have Said

On April 26, The Telegraph reported that Kate's spokesperson allegedly said she “may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to” but that “any initial public events will not necessarily signal a return to a regular public schedule.”

Several days later on April 30, the Times of London reported that "Kate is expected to be away from public duties for some time."

Fact Checking False Claims About Kate's Return

On May 6, a Twitter account falsely claimed that Kate's "comeback" could take "many years" and that some of her friends had lost touch with her. As fact-checking website Snopes reports, this is false information that has no reputable source to back it up. But that hasn't stopped other posts peddling these false claims on social media from cropping up.

We will be updating this story as more information regarding when Kate may return to public engagements and/or royal events is available.

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