The British Royal family health issues have been a major discussion point for what feels like the last year or so. There’s King Charles’ and his cancer, which has prompted rumors of succession plans being underway. And then, there’s Kate Middleton, who is reportedly recovered from her cancer, but whose public schedule has changed drastically after her illness.
One of the biggest signs of this change was Middleton missing the Royal Ascot in a last minute change, which prompted worries and speculation about her health. However, reports indicate she went back to work right away. On June 25, Middleton alongside Prince William received Melinda French Gates at Windsor Castle, according to The Court Circular, with the two representing The Royal Foundation at the meeting, the umbrella for their charitable endeavors.
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This is a very good sign after Middleton was absent from the Royal Ascot on June 18 which caused quite a stir. Prince William rode in the carriage procession by himself. Middleton’s name was dropped from the cavalcade about 20 minutes after the list was published, though reports now indicate it was due to a miscommunication.
“She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life,” Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson told People about the decision.
This comes after reports Middleton is “fortunate” to have survived her “seriously ill” cancer diagnosis, according to a royal source.
An insider told the Daily Mail in June 2025 that while Middleton went “to hell and back” with her cancer diagnosis, her health is still a “work in progress,” adding that the experience has given her a lot of “mental clarity” around her priorities as member of the British royal family.
“On some levels, I actually think this is a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo. As anyone who has been through that experience will tell you, you can feel very unwell for a long time afterwards. It can take years [to recover],” the insider said.
With some separation from Middleton’s illness, more details about her cancer treatment have now emerged, with the same outlet reporting it included abdominal surgery followed by preventative chemotherapy. It reportedly also involved a “port” that was surgically fitted to administer the chemo. “I can say that, from what I understand, she is fortunate to even be speaking of recovery,” royal correspondent Rebecca English told the Daily Mail.
According to the Daily Beast, there’s a focus on her recovery. “The important thing here is Kate’s recovery. It was too much, unfortunately, for her to have three appearances in under a week, and the lesson has been learned. Kate will take it much easier for the rest of the year. I’d be surprised if you see her more than three times in the next three months.”
Another source added, “Kate is recalibrating her entire life, her entire work-life balance. [Ascot] was a wakeup call, not a one-off. She has never found the public appearances, and the forensic attention and criticism that goes with them, at all easy to deal with, and it was just too much this week.”
So, for the foreseeable future, Middleton might just be taking it easy. Health comes first.
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