There Is No Need for Her to Be Seen”: Princess Kate’s Absence Amid Cancer Battle Explained
In recent weeks, King Charles has been spotted at numerous public engagements, while Princess Kate has remained out of the public eye since her cancer diagnosis was announced in March. The Princess of Wales’ continued absence contrasts sharply with her father-in-law’s decision to maintain a public presence, even as he undergoes treatment for the same illness. Insiders have now shed light on the poignant reasons behind their differing approaches to recovery.
Princess Kate, mother of three, courageously shared her health struggle in a personal video, revealing that post-operative tests had detected cancer. This announcement came a month after the Palace declared King Charles’ own diagnosis, with the statement that he “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible”, via BBC.
Both Charles and Kate are currently undergoing treatment for their respective cancers, although the specific types of cancers have not been disclosed.
A source spoke to the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden about Kate’s continued absence from public life, saying: “King Charles very much wanted to be seen by the public while he was undergoing his own cancer treatment but this has not been the case for his daughter-in-law, however disappointing that might be for her admirers.” They added, “As Sovereign, His Majesty is in a very different position from the Princess of Wales. There is no need for her to be seen while she’s recovering”, via Mirror.
Earlier this month, Prince William provided a comforting update on his wife’s condition during his two-day trip to the southwest of England. While visiting St. Mary’s Community Hospital on the Isles of Scilly, hospital administrator Tracy Smith inquired about Princess Kate’s wellbeing. William assured her that Kate was “doing well.” He also shared a light-hearted comment about their children George, Charlotte, and Louis, saying, “The children are very jealous that I am here… Maybe we might come later in the year.”
Despite their ongoing health struggles, the Royal couple participated in Mental Health Awareness Week. Through the Kensington Royal social media handle, they posted: “This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we’ve brought together the inspirational Sam Stables from We Are Farming Minds and the brilliant Farmer Will for a very special film.” They continued, “Spending a day together on Sam’s farm in Hereford they chatted about mental health in the farming community, finding support, and the Duchy of Cornwall’s Mental Health Strategy.” Although Princess Kate does not feature in the video, which is available on YouTube, it was a collaborative production between her and William.
King Charles, 75, resumed public duties at the end of the previous month. Contrary to suggestions that he would adopt a lighter schedule over the summer, the King managed to complete five official engagements within 48 hours last week.
Princess Kate most recently addressed the public in a heartfelt video, requesting privacy and space as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy. She detailed the time it took to explain her situation to her and Prince William’s three young children: George, 10, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six.