Kate Middleton Reveals She Can No Longer 'Function Normally' After 'Really Difficult' Cancer Battle
Though now cancer-free, she's still adjusting and carefully managing her return to public life, as seen in her surprise withdrawal from Royal Ascot.
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton and Prince William are quietly preparing for their future roles as king and queen by assembling a trusted advisory team, amid King Charles' ongoing cancer treatment.
During a heartfelt visit to Colchester Hospital on Wednesday, Kate opened up about the emotional aftermath of her cancer treatment.
She described this chapter of her life as "really, really difficult," sharing how challenging it was to transition back to everyday life.
"You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment," she explained, per Page Six. "Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually [that's not the case]."
Although no longer under active medical supervision, the 43-year-old royal admitted that she can not "function normally at home as [she] perhaps once used to."
She emphasized the importance of having support during this phase of recovery: "[Having] someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment … is really valuable."
Kate acknowledged that healing doesn't happen overnight, noting that finding a "new normal … takes time."
"It's a roller coaster, it's not smooth, like you expect it to be. But the reality is, you go through hard times," the princess added.
Kate first revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, following a private two-month recovery period after undergoing abdominal surgery.
At the time, she shared, "[Prince] William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."
By September 2024, Kate had completed her chemotherapy, and in a January update, she shared the uplifting news that she was cancer-free.
Despite the good news, she acknowledged that the road to recovery wasn't immediate.
"I remain focused on recovery," she wrote. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust."
Over the past few months, the Princess of Wales has been gradually returning to public life. In June, she made a radiant appearance at Trooping the Colour with her children, sweetly coordinating in matching blue outfits with Princess Charlotte.
However, Kate unexpectedly withdrew from the Royal Ascot last month, a decision that sparked renewed concern about her ongoing recovery.
The Princess of Wales, who had been slated to attend the prestigious event alongside William, was listed in the official program as part of the royal carriage procession.
Her sudden absence, confirmed by Kensington Palace, came as a surprise to many.
A palace aide, speaking anonymously, shared that Kate was "disappointed" to miss the occasion.
The official emphasized that she's still learning how to strike the "right balance" as she eases back into public life while prioritizing her health.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward echoed this sentiment of the palace aide in an interview with HELLO! Magazine.
"Kate might be back, but she's doing it sensibly and on her own terms," Seward explained. "Her priorities have changed and she's listening to her body, instead of being a people pleaser. She's absolutely got to be strict with herself and say: 'No, I can't do this.'"
Seward added: "Maybe we've been lulled into a sense that we'll be seeing her all the time again, because she looks so amazing. But it must be an effort to look like that when you're not 100% full of energy."
Meanwhile, Kate and William are said to be quietly laying the groundwork for their eventual roles as king and queen, taking careful steps to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.
According to People Magazine, the couple, along with their close advisors, are increasingly focused on "building a trusted team of advisors."
Though King Charles continues to carry out his royal duties while undergoing cancer treatment, his health has added a new sense of urgency to the planning.
Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that the Prince and Princess of Wales are strategically building a strong, trusted team to support them.
"They're being smart and deliberate about this next chapter," Fordwich said. "Given the king's condition, the need to be fully prepared has become more pressing than it was just a few years ago."
"Prince William and Princess Catherine are indeed discreetly assembling a top-notch, extremely competent and reliable team to guide them through the coming transition," Fordwich continued. "There is now more urgency than anticipated just a few years ago due to King Charles' health concerns."
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