When the Princess of Wales bravely announced her cancer diagnosis in a video shared worldwide on March 22, she asked for “time, space, and privacy,” and added of her royal duty that “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I am able—but for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.”
Earlier this week, a report was issued about her early years work that Kate was “excited” about—a 60-page report outlining how the U.K. business community can benefit from focusing efforts on children five years old and younger—and, though Kate was kept abreast of the work as it was going on, it doesn’t signal a return to work for her anytime soon. As The Daily Mail’s Richard Eden reported after speaking to some of Kate’s friends, it’s likely we won’t see Kate back on royal duty until the fall, “and only then if she has recovered fully,” Eden wrote, adding it is focusing on a full recovery “which continues to take priority.”
Kate’s last public duty was attending the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham five months ago; she underwent a planned abdominal surgery in January, during which cancer was detected. Kate reportedly found out about her diagnosis in late February, and on March 22 announced globally that she was receiving treatment for a publicly undisclosed type of cancer. Since that March 22 announcement, she has been all but completely out of the public eye.
Though some of Kate’s work continues on, some of it has been put on pause, like she and her husband Prince William’s search for a CEO to run their joint office as the Prince and Princess of Wales and be responsible for about 60 staff members. The role is significant because, as Eden put it, “The new boss would report directly to the royal couple and—notably—would not answer to the private secretaries who have long held power behind the scenes at the royal palaces.”
When the announcement was made of this future appointment last year, a source told Eden “a little excitedly” that “This is a revolutionary move. They are overthrowing the traditional, hierarchical structure in which staff answer to private secretaries.” Kensington Palace hired a high-powered recruitment firm, Odgers Berndtson, to find the best candidate, “and an advertisement was placed online which stressed the unprecedented nature of the position,” Eden wrote.
But, in light of Kate’s health scare, “the search for a CEO has now been suspended,” he continued. A Palace spokesperson further added “With everything going on, the Royal Household’s focus is on the Princess’ recovery, so no appointment has been made.” To this, Eden added “the postponement of such a key appointment shows big decisions must wait until Catherine is recovered.”
A source speaking to Eden said “No one wants to put any pressure on Catherine. The only thing that matters at the moment is her getting better. She has been through an ordeal this year.” They added, “What this means in practice is that big decisions, such as the appointment of new staff, can wait.”
And we might be waiting for a while, as autumn is being floated as her return time—but if, and only if, she is recovered. “It’s a reflection of Her Royal Highness’ importance to the future of the monarchy that she has been given as much time as she needs,” a source said.
Though some have been confused as to why King Charles—who is also receiving treatment for cancer—has returned to public duty but Kate has not, a source speaking to Eden clarified, saying “As Sovereign, His Majesty is in a very different position from the Princess of Wales,” they said. “There is no need for her to be seen while she’s recovering.”
