Kate will this weekend make her first public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer – but the princess has said she is still “taking each day as it comes”.
The Princess of Wales said of her health that she is “not yet out of the woods” and that she still needs “several months” of cancer treatment.
Kate also said she would attend a public meeting tomorrow.
She has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, since being diagnosed with an unspecified type of illness earlier this year.
In a statement released today, she said she was making “good progress” but “there have been good days and there have been bad days”.
The statement was accompanied by a new photo of Kate:
“On bad days, I feel weak or tired and need to rest,” she said. “On days when I feel well enough, I enjoy participating in school activities, spending my free time doing things that give me energy and positivity, and doing a bit of home work,” Kate admitted. She will be taking part in the King’s Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, in London tomorrow with her family.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the King is “delighted that the Princess will be able to attend” and is “really looking forward to every element of the day”.
It is understood that Kate’s participation in the event should not be interpreted as a return to all official duties.
“I hope that I will be able to take part in some public events over the summer, but I also know that we are not out of the woods yet,” Kate continued in her statement.
“I am learning to be patient, especially in times of uncertainty. I am taking each day as it comes, listening to my body and giving myself the time it needs to heal.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said Kate’s update was “particularly meaningful for those battling cancer and their families.”
“They will find the same struggles in her words and draw hope and inspiration from her strength,” he added, saying “the whole country supports her.”
It will be the princess’ first public appearance since joining other members of the royal family for the annual Christmas service at Sandringham in December 2023.
She was admitted to hospital on 16 January for abdominal surgery and it was announced the following day that she was recovering at Kensington Palace, and the details of the operation were made public.
The Palace kept details of Kate’s health under wraps for the next few months.
What’s happening tomorrow?
Trooping the Colour will officially begin at 10.30am when the Royal Family departs Buckingham Palace as part of a procession for Horse Guards Parade.
It is understood that Prince William will travel on horseback, while Kate will travel in a State carriage with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The King is due to arrive at Horse Guards at 11am and perform a royal salute, which will be fired with a 41-gun salute from nearby Green Park.
The Royal Family will then return to the Palace and family will gather on the balcony to watch the RAF flyover at 1pm.
Kate is expected to appear on the balcony with her family, but plans may change at short notice depending on her health.
On Mother’s Day, March 10, a photo of the Duchess of Cambridge and her three children was released, but the photo sparked controversy over its editing, sparking online speculation about the Princess’ health.
Kate announced her cancer diagnosis to the public on March 22.
At the time, she said in a recorded video message that scheduled abdominal surgery in January had been successful and that tests had revealed cancer, though it was initially thought not to be cancer.
She then began treatment, including chemotherapy, in February and has been recovering privately.
The Prince of Wales has been attending engagements alone since April and has given several updates on the Duchess during public appearances.
In May, he said the Duchess was “in good spirits,” and earlier this month he told veterans she “would be delighted” to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations in France.