Exclusive
‘REALITY CHECK’
Brave Princess Kate has had MAJOR wake-up call – she’s changed forever by cancer
Watch our video to see Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent Katie Nicholl on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show
PRINCESS Kate has been “forever changed” by her cancer treatment, according to a royal expert.
In 2024, the Princess of Wales, 43, underwent chemotherapy but she has now revealed she is in remission following her cancer battle.
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Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent Katie Nicholl shared on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show: “She did a lot of running up and down the country, juggling that with the three children doing the overseas tours.
“People would be quite surprised to learn just how hands on William and Catherine are as parents.
“And I think this is just, well, it's a wake up call, isn't it?
“This is a real reality check for her.
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“And so I think it's a case of what Kensington Palace are describing as a very gradual return to work that's very much on her terms.
“And I think that's how it should be.”
Earlier this month, the Princess of Wales made a solo trip to Royal Marsden Hospital in which she thanked staff for her "exceptional" care.
The mum-of-three has now finished her chemotherapy and met health carers to personally “show her gratitude”.
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Kate also asked patients about details of their treatment, trials, wellbeing, and asked after their families.
Speaking of the visit, Katie told show host Bronte Coy: “I think it was deeply significant that she chose going to the place where we now know she was treated for her own cancer, to mark that first official solo engagement, the first in over a year.
Princess Kate Middleton looks in 'amazing health' as she surprises patients with surprise solo visit to cancer hospital
“So it was poignant. It was obviously important.
“And I think what we're seeing her do is use that unique spotlight that she has to put it on a really important cause.
“Cancer will affect one in two of us.
“And I think the royals have done great work in a very short space of time in terms of breaking down the stigma that I think is still attached to this disease.”
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Royal cancer battles
Both King Charles and Princess Kate have been open about their cancer struggles in the last 12 months.
King Charles’ cancer ordeal began in January when he revealed he needed a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate.
The King was then diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February following prostate surgery.
While he is “not yet out of the woods”, according to those in his inner circle, they add there is “great optimism” and treatment has gone “better than anyone would have thought”.
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Meanwhile, Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative treatment for cancer in a brave video message in March.
At the time, Kate had been absent from official events following major abdominal surgery in January.
The Sun revealed Kate has now planned a "gradual return" to front-line duties with royal fans warned not to expect the same "volume of work" as before her health crisis.
I think it's a case of what Kensington Palace are describing as a very gradual return to work that's very much on her terms. And I think that's how it should be
Katie Nicholl
Kate said in a statement: “It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.
“I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."
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Kate's big year ahead
Royal expert Kate claims 2025 is set to be a “big year” for the royal family.
She continued: “I think she's [Kate’s] going to cherry pick quite carefully the engagements that she wants to be at.
“She will have a new perspective on life now her priority is her children.
“Always has been.
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“It's always come before anything else, and her health and those things will come first before anything else.
“But she is incredibly dutiful. She's absolutely dedicated to the job.
“I think she will resume full time royal duties, but we have to remember, it's only been a year.
I think it was deeply significant that she chose going to the place where we now know she was treated for her own cancer, to mark that first official solo engagement, the first in over a year
Katie Nicholl
“She's still in the very early stages of her remission, and we need her.
“That's what I think the past 12 months have shown us.
“So we need to give her that time and space to make a full recovery, and so let's just be patient, manage expectations.”
Kate's upcoming diary
One event that we are likely to see Princess Kate attend is the 2025 Bafta Awards in February, according to reports.
According to the the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) organisers are "pulling out all the stops" so Kate can return this year.
The Princess of Wales missed the 2024 event due to her health struggles, and Prince William walked the red carpet solo.
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Katie added: “She [Kate] always lights up that red carpet, doesn't she, when she attends.
“I think it's more likely that we're going to see her really use that energy and focus her efforts on her Early Years [project].”
The royal expert didn’t rule out the possibility of the Prince and Princess of Wales doing a royal tour this year.
Katie added: “I think there's every chance that we might see a tour that would be wonderful if we did, if she's well enough to do that.
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“I don’t think it’s going to be anything long haul, but there's every chance they might be able to do a short haul tour.
“And I think we've seen that with the King. How important that visibility is.”
Princess Kate's New Year ski trip holiday
PRINCESS Kate enjoyed a ‘relaxing’ skiing holiday with the family as she takes a step forward on her road to recovery it has been revealed.
The Princess of Wales was joined by Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis for a break in the Alps over New Year.
It is believed that the couple were joined by members of the Middleton family, including Kate’s brother James Middleton and his wife Alizee, where they were spotted enjoying hot drinks and a meal at a popular local restaurant.
A member of staff at the restaurant told the : “'It was lovely to see Kate relaxing and enjoying herself.
“They looked like a normal English family, and a lot of people didn't recognise them. It was not the first time we had seen them.”
They added that Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton was also a frequent visitor.
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