Kate Middleton’s year of health problems became public knowledge on January 17. The palace told fans that she would be able to return to royal duties around Easter after a “planned abdominal operation,” but the story and the timeline didn’t add up. When she announced that she was undergoing cancer treatment, everyone realized how serious the situation was.

Now there is new information from the Daily Mail seems to indicate that the Princess of Wales was still not well at the end of 2023. “I don’t think people realise how much she has been through behind the scenes and for how long, much longer than anyone really appreciates,” a source explained. “She is an incredibly strong woman but she has been through really tough times. Her treatment and recovery remains a priority and will continue for some time.”

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While royal fans marveled at how fabulous Kate looked at her two appearances this summer, at Trooping the Colour and in the Wimbledon men’s singles final, the palace insider cautioned that Kate is “not ready yet” to have a busy royal schedule. A second source asked the public to be patient with her recovery. “Her continued treatment is the most important thing for her personally and for all of them as a family,” they noted. “For everyone, there is a lot of physical recovery that begins after treatment is complete. It’s not like flipping a switch.”

There are rumors that Kate will travel with Prince William to the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit in New York City on September 24. Life & Style Insiders believe she’s ready for a major fashion moment as the Prince of Wales promotes his passion project. “She plans to work with at least two stylists, so she’s got a good selection,” they said. However, a trip abroad sounds like a lot for someone still undergoing treatment, and we know her Paris Olympics visit never worked out.

For now, fans should expect what The Telegraph described as “less promising and more delivering” when it comes to her work calendar. The palace hopes to continue its strategy of offering from time to time “a powerful emotional message, a surprise photo and an upcoming major outing that no one would have expected from her.” Still, this addition to Kate’s health calendar shows just how serious her problems were behind the scenes.

Before you go, click here to see all of Kate Middleton’s most beautiful hairstyles as a queen.

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