Kate Middleton has not been on public duty since last year. The Princess of Wales was first recovering from her planned abdominal surgery, but in February, she got the shocking news that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

In an emotional video, Kate revealed details about her cancer diagnosis, and now, she is undergoing chemotherapy. Prince William has given minor updates about her well-being, but when we get to see her in public again, we don’t know.

While the Princess of Wales is recovering at Adelaide Cottage, she has reportedly done some work. It was revealed already in February that she had sent emails and letters, and now, Kate and her husband have given updates on a new, major project. But while it appears that the princess is strong enough to do some work from home, an expert is giving another update about her possible return.

This year was supposed to start a new era for the royal family. 2024 would be the first full year with King Charles as king, meaning everything would have been under control for him, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.

However, as we look back just half a year, things turned out to be quite different.

Kate Middleton – abdominal surgery & cancer diagnosis
In mid-January, Kate Middleton was hospitalized for 13 days after her abdominal surgery; Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer just hours after the princess’ surgery was revealed – and royal fans were left in turmoil.

Two of the most prominent and beloved royal family members, King Charles and Kate Middleton, were out from royal duty. Instead, Queen Camilla and Prince William had to step up in their absence.

Kate’s absence from public life, not least because of the manipulated Mother’s Day picture, resulted in many conspiracy theories surrounding her. But on March 22, she told the world why she was absent.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful; however, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore, advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” Kate Middleton said in her statement, recorded in the Windsor Gardens.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JUNE 27: Catherine, Princess of Wales reacts during a visit of the new facilities of “Hope Street” during its opening on June 27, 2023 in Southampton, England. Hope Street is a residential community developed by One Small Thing, which is piloting a new approach to supporting women in the justice system. (Photo by Daniel Leal – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“This of course, came as a huge shock and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time. 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’m going to be okay.”

King Charles plan for royal replacements in Kate’s absence
While Kate Middleton hasn’t been on royal duty for months, it’s been reported that she still has done some work from both her hospital bed and later from home. But those who expect the princess back on royal duty soon might be disappointed.

At least, according to a Daily Mail source, who claims King Charles is looking to other royal family members, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to take her place in the many critical royal events this summer.

“They’ve got a busy diary coming up, and they need to widen the family at social events. You’ve got a whole week of Ascot. You have four garden parties. You’ve got Trooping the Colour, and you’ve got a state visit before you even start on other things,” the source said.

The source added that King Charles is looking to “bring in some fresh blood,” as he believes they’ve “grown into very sensible, lovely women” who could be a great asset for the royal family.

“They have been crying out for that royal glamour that has been missing during a time when his slimmed-down monarchy is in desperate need of bulking up.”

“Beatrice, in particular, has been desperate for her chance to shine. She was once shy, and her style was a little frumpy. But these days she’s ambitious, confident and fashionable. She looks great in photos,” the source concluded.