Princes Kate paid a poignant visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital today, her first solo engagement in a year. And it has left fans wondering when they will next see the future Queen
The Princess of Wales has left royal fans in awe as she bravely returns to the hospital that treated her for cancer.
Her first solo work event in over a year, it was a poignant visit for Kate, who spent time speaking to patients and staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
The future Queen took the opportunity to personally thank the staff for their exceptional care, support and compassion over the past year, as well as to show her support to those currently going through treatment.
Her appearance has led to great excitement amongst royal watchers, who are eagerly anticipating a return to royal duties for Kate. But Kensington Palace has been keen to stress that the guidance around the Princess’ return to public facing engagements hasn’t changed and would continue to be gradual.
There are some key dates that fans can look forward to, however. While Kate is expected to continue to work largely from home, focusing on key projects including her Early Years work, she is also likely to appear at major royal events over the coming months.
The Princess was last seen on Christmas Day when she joined the rest of the Royal Family at Sandringham as they headed to church. And it thought she might step out with Prince William as early as next month for this year’s Bafta Awards on February 16, after skipping last year’s due to her health.
Kate is also expected to attend the Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025 in honour of her father-in-law’s birthday. The Princess famously joined King Charles – also diagnosed with cancer last year – and the royals for the parade last year, to show her support for the monarch. Depending on her recovery, she might choose to attend Royal Ascot in June – a favourite calendar event for the family.
Since announcing the successful completion of her chemotherapy treatment, Kate has been making a slow but steady return to her official duties, including hosting her Together at Christmas concert in December. However, her health is still the priority – as is her young family.
“What we saw last year was her prioritising her recovery, and there hasn’t been a step-change in that,” a friend told HELLO!. “There’s no press of a reset button as such.”
While Kate’s return to royal work will be slow and steady, royal expert Jennie Bond has said there is no doubt that Kate is absolutely central to the future of the monarchy.
She explained: “She and William are way ahead in the popularity stakes, according to polls, and as we saw on Christmas Day at Sandringham, Catherine is the one who draws the biggest crowds. Everyone wants to see her, to talk to her, to photograph her.
“I think there’s an interesting parallel between the way Charles once put his own future on the line by declaring that his relationship with Camilla was ‘non-negotiable’, and the way Catherine has made it clear that, for the immediate future at least, her undisputed priorities are her family and her health.
“She has shown that she is very much in charge of her own agenda and that’s to be admired. The monarchy has often depended on strong women, like the late Queen and Princess Anne. Catherine takes her rightful place amongst those strong women, and I think both Charles and William believe she has all it takes to be Queen when the time comes.”
