Royal insider reveals Kate Middleton's return to work plan: 'Slow'

After discovering she had cancer in early 2024, Kate Middleton understandably took a step back from the public eye for most of the year while she completed chemotherapy. In the last few months, the Princess of Wales has made a gradual return to royal life.

At the end of last year, Kate attended several events and took part in the royal family's annual walk to church, where she was greeted by countless well-wishers. This has led many people to wonder what 2025 will look like for Kate and her return to work.

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Speaking to the Daily Mail, a royal insider shared: "There is no huge reset button that's going to be hit in January. What we will actually see is a slow continuation of the Princess balancing her recovery and her public-facing duties, as she outlined back in September [when she warned her recovery was still ongoing despite having completed her chemotherapy].

"Cancer impacts on your perspective, and what you have seen in the decisions they have made over the last year is that family and their children continue to be at the centre of their universe. Both Their Royal Highnesses have a strong commitment to duty, service and using their platform for good. But what they are working on is ways they can balance themselves as parents with being the Prince and Princess of Wales."

They add that there are no plans for Kate to take part in any full-scale foreign tours, despite William previously saying he has several trips lined up in the coming months. Perhaps if she's feeling up to it, Kate would be willing to join William on shorter trips.

Prince William 'putting his foot down' to protect Kate Middleton

It comes after reports late last year that William is reportedly 'putting his foot down' to protect Kate and slow down her return to work, despite the Princess of Wales being keen to get back to her duties. Kate announced in September that she is "cancer-free" after battling the disease for the better part of the year.

A royal source told Heat, "Kate’s longing to get out there and make up for lost time and help as many causes and individuals as she possibly can now that she’s got her strength back. She’s also anxious to pitch in and support King Charles and Queen Camilla, who’s also been poorly."

However, William wants Kate to take things easy and focus on her recovery.

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"For obvious reasons, he wants this to be put in perspective alongside her own recovery," the insider shared. "He's putting his foot down and urging Kate to draft a schedule that puts herself first, no excuses."

"[2025] is going to be a very big year, and ideally William would love it if Kate's able to carry out her engagements as close to normal as possible. But he's also crystal clear that her health comes first, and he's let everyone around them know that he doesn't want her to dive back in too quickly."

Apparently, William is nervous Kate will "overdo it and put her health at risk", because she's still "fragile".

The Palace has been ordered not to "overload" Kate's schedule, with the insider saying, "He's urging Kate to stay focused on her steady recovery rather than putting too much on her plate."

"He just wants to be sure she feels supported without unnecessary pressure."

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