Palace Shares Update on Kate Middleton’s Return to Work After Cancer Diagnosis

Kate Middleton has no immediate plans to return to her royal duties after sharing news of her cancer diagnosis in March, according to a Kensington Palace spokesperson.

Kate Middleton remains on her own schedule.

Nearly two months after the Princess of Wales shared that she had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace shared an update on Kate’s potential return to her public duties.

“The princess is not expected to return to work,” the rep said in a May 21 statement to BBC, “until it’s cleared by her medical team.”

However, Kate is still privately keeping an eye on the causes close to her heart—including Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, the organization she founded in 2021 that aims to drive awareness and action on the transformative impact of a kids’ early years. As the spokesperson noted to the U.K. outlet, “Early childhood will continue to be central to her public work.”

Kate and her children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6—who she shares with husband Prince William—have been staying away from the spotlight ever since she went public with her cancer diagnosis in March. At the time, the 42-year-old said she was in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy, which she started at the recommendation of her doctors when tests conducted after her January abdominal surgery found that cancer had been present.

“As you can imagine, this has taken time,” Kate said of her health journey in a video posted to her and William’s social media channels. “It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, 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.”

The royal added that William, 41, has been “a great source of comfort and reassurance” during this challenging chapter.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” she continued. “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.”

E! News has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment but hasn’t heard back.

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Kate Middleton Focusing on Health

Nearly two months after the Princess of Wales went public with her cancer diagnosis, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said the royal has no immidiate plans to return to her public-facing duties.

“The princess is not expected to return to work,” the rep said in a May 21 statement to BBC, “until it’s cleared by her medical team.”

The project’s executive director, Christian Guy, claimed the princess was “excited” by the foundation’s campaign and that the early years campaign was “rolling on as she recovers,” per the outlet.

Social media was also energized by the campaign, leaving comments begging for the princess’ return while also wishing her well on her journey to good health.

All of this to say, it looks like royal watchers aren’t the only ones restless over Kate making a royal comeback to her work—even she is seems to be anticipating a welcome return as she undergoes “preventative” chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer.

Despite the positive energy, the suspense continues as a Kensington Palace official told the publication that a date has not yet been set for the princess’ return to royal duties–unlike her husband, Prince William, and her father-in-law who is also battling cancer, King Charles, who both recently stepped back into their positions after some time off.

“The princess is not expected to return to work until it’s cleared by her medical team,” a spokesperson said.

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Kate Middleton Shares Cancer Diagnosis

In a March 22 video message, the Princess of Wales shared that she’d been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

“It was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful,” she said before noting that tests after the operation found cancer had been present. “My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”

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Kate Middleton Apologizes for Edited Family Photo Controversy

After photo agencies pulled the picture Kensington Palace shared of Kate since having her abdominal surgery on March 10, the Princess of Wales addressed claims the photo was doctored.

“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” she tweeted on March 11. “I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.”

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Kate Middleton Is Hospitalized

Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that Kate Middleton underwent planned abdominal surgery and was set to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days.

“Based on the current medical advice,” the Palace said, “she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”