Kate Middleton’s Battle with Cancer Has Changed Her: «She’s a Completely Different Person Now» (Exclusive)
Kate Middleton is navigating a new direction as she continues her recovery from cancer.
As the year draws to a close, she celebrated by hosting the heartwarming Together at Christmas carol service for the fourth year in a row. Accompanied by her husband, Prince William, 42, and their three children she exuded her usual grace.
However, her openness with guests and her candid reflections on what she called her «unplanned» year offered a glimpse of her personal evolution, embracing a more open, emotionally assured version of herself.
«You can’t experience something like that and not come out the other side changed,» an insider shares in this week’s issue. «She’s a completely different person now.»
At 42, Kate is also preparing for the immense responsibilities that will come with her future role as Queen.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022, Kate and Prince William are on the brink of assuming the roles of King and Queen.
The focus on their future intensified when Prince William’s father, King Charles, 76, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, with ongoing treatment for an undisclosed type. Adding to the family’s vulnerabilities, Queen Camilla, 77, recently battled pneumonia.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the royal family, Kate is approaching the future with purpose. Those close to her agree that she is taking her time, focusing on herself and her family.
«She’s prioritizing herself and her family right now, as she should,» says a source close to the palace.
Kate Middleton’s recent public appearances, such as her joint appearance with Prince William to greet the Amir of Qatar during his state visit to the U.K. on December 3, reflect a careful and thoughtful return to the spotlight, rather than a full-scale re-engagement with royal duties.
In fact, the public has seen Kate only a few times this year, and it’s unlikely she will return to her previous pace—she participated in 128 engagements in 2023—in the year ahead.
«She will likely continue to be strategic about her public appearances, and people shouldn’t judge her if she does less next year,» says royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith. «What matters is that she will pace herself, focusing on what she’s able to do and the causes she’s most passionate about.»
Since sharing her September 9 video revealing the end of her chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer, Kate has been vocal about her cautious and measured approach to recovery.
“The journey with cancer is complex and frightening,” she said, emphasizing that her “road to healing and complete recovery will be lengthy, and I must take each day as it comes.”
According to a source close to the situation: “She won’t be returning to her previous work routine anytime soon.”
