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A new report claims Kate Middleton may never return to her royal life as she knew it. This come on the heels of the Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis, a course of treatment, and six months out of the public eye.

Kate Middleton’s official return date unknown

Kate Middleton’s last official royal appearance was in December 2023. She walked with the royal family to church on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

In January 2024, Kate underwent surgery, was discharged from the hospital two weeks later, and began to recover at home. In March, Kate filmed a video where she explained she had cancer and was starting a course of treatment.

Kensington Palace maintains the Princess of Wales will not return to official duties until cleared by her doctors. Therefore, as she recovers, the royal family continues a public schedule without her.

A new report by Us Weekly suggests that when Kate Middleton returns, it may be in a much different capacity than before. Their source claims Kate’s team is “reevaluating what she’s going to be able to take on when she comes back.”

The report states, “{Kate] may never come back in the role that people saw her in before. Her role may look very different. She’s looking at what it will shape into.”

The source continues, “The announcement that the royals won’t be able to work as much has been unexpected, but it will allow Kate and William to spend more time together. They’ve been reconnecting and are closer than ever.”

Where is Kate Middleton recuperating?

Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
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After her release from the London Clinic in late January, Kate Middleton retreated to Adelaide Cottage. During her recovery, she, Prince William, and her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis lived at the Windsor home.

Us Weekly reports the princess has changed locations to continue recuperating at the couple’s Norfolk summer home, Anmer Hall, on Sandringham Estate. The publication’s source states, “They are spending a lot of time as a family there.” As Kate and William’s children will soon be on summer school break, the family will continue to enjoy quality time together.

Anmer Hall, per Elle Decor, is a three-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of London. The 20,000-acre property houses the couple’s home, as well as churches, parishes, and country houses connected to the royal family.

When will Kate Middleton officially return to royal duties?

Town & Country reports that Kate Middleton should officially return to royal duties sometime in 2024. As she recovers, medical advice from her healthcare team continues to change as well.

In January, an official Kensington Palace statement shared, “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.” The Easter holiday fell on the last Sunday of March 2024.

Earlier that same month, the palace stated, “The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.” 

In May 2024, a senior royal aide explained, “We have been really clear that she needs the space and the privacy to recover right now. She will return to work when she has had the green light from doctors.”

Kate Middleton and Prince William have not officially commented on an official return to work date for the Princess of Wales.