Princess Kate Middleton Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Cancer Battle
Kate Middleton Karwai Tang/WireImage
Princess Kate Middleton made a rare public appearance on Sunday, August 25, at Scotland’s Crathie Kirk, marking one of her first outings since her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Accompanied by her husband, Prince William, Kate arrived at the church service in a beige trench coat and a brown feathered fedora. The Prince of Wales opted for a navy suit. Other members of the royal family, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince Edward, were also spotted arriving at the service at Balmoral.
Kate has been battling an undisclosed form of cancer since earlier this year, which led her to cancel her public-facing duties to focus on her recovery.
In a statement, Kate expressed her gratitude for the love and support she has received during her cancer battle. “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body, and spirit,” she said. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too, as is the love, support, and kindness that has been shown by so many of you.”
Kate also emphasized the importance of taking time for herself and her family during this challenging period. “We hope that you’ll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy, and I look forward to being back when I’m able. But for now, I must focus on making a full recovery.”
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales Chris Jackson/Getty Images For Buckingham Palace
Kate — who shares children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, with William — has been open about her cancer battle, revealing that she had started a preventative course of chemotherapy.
Sunday’s outing was one of the rare appearances Kate has made since disclosing her diagnosis. She attended the Trooping the Colour military flypast and Wimbledon in June and July, respectively.
At the time, the princess revealed that she was “making good progress” in her recovery.
Kate’s cancer battle has also strengthened her relationship with William. “William’s been very hands-on lately, taking the lead in family activities and routines,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly . “Kate loves seeing him in this role and it’s strengthened their bond.”
In a statement, Kate expressed her gratitude for the love and support she has received during her cancer battle. “As anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” she said. “On those bad days, you feel weak, tired, and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well. I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal.”
The princess’s cancer battle has been a challenging experience for the entire royal family, but their love and support for each other have been a beacon of hope during this difficult time.