September 2024

Kate makes a point to telegraph to the public her activity while Harry and Meghan fly better solo than together.

September began with the hope of an autumn featuring Kate making a slow but gradual return to the public eye. Those hopes were quickly dashed that first weekend of the month as Roya Nikkhah published a piece warning us the Princess was not returning soon. Kate followed up with her own straightforward message explaining the same in her blockbuster video announcing the completion of her chemotherapy.

It should go without saying, but nothing really goes without saying in this department, that I fully support Kate taking whatever time she needs.  Certainly, though, there is still disappointment, and, for some of us, continued worry about the state of Kate’s health.

Not much has changed in my mind since I shared my initial reaction to Kate’s “end of chemo” video.  I thought it was beautiful, but it was far from a triumphant message.  The end especially, either by design or an accidental vibe from the plaintive violin, felt emotional in a worrisome way.

Although very few reporters made a big deal of it, the Palace did clarify the day after the short film released that Kate is not “in remission” or “cancer free.”  Perhaps that was a technical distinction, as many have suggested…perhaps not.  The silence of the press might be telling on that one.

Since then, Kate has made an effort to show signs of activity while remaining out of the public eye.  She confirmed her annual Carol Concert is in the works for December, and we are all hoping to see her at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

On September 17th, Kate appeared in the Court Circular for the first time in almost a year.  “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.” Although Kate has been briefed at times on her Early Year project, up until this point, the Palace had been keen to remind the public she was in no way back to work, so this official meeting was a milestone.