Kate Middleton Is Returning to Royal Duties on ‘Her Own Terms’

Princess Kate Middleton is reportedly taking her return to royal duties day by day.

“Kate might be back, but she’s doing it sensibly, and on her own terms,” Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, told Hello! in an interview published Tuesday, June 24, nearly one week after the Princess of Wales’ last-minute absence from the Royal Ascot. “Her priorities have changed, and she’s listening to her body, instead of being a people pleaser. She’s absolutely got to be strict with herself and say, ‘No, I can’t do this.’”

Seward continued, “Maybe we’ve been lulled into a sense that we’ll be seeing her all the time again, because she looks so amazing. But it must be an effort to look like that when you’re not 100 percent full of energy.”

Seward added that the Royal Ascot, a racing festival held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England, is “more exhausting than it looks. It involves an early start, and there’s a long process of hair and makeup and getting the right outfit.”

Kate Middleton Speaks Out After Pulling Out of Royal Ascot Appearance

“The royals have lunch at Windsor Castle, then there is a bumpy carriage ride while the whole world is looking at you. It was a very hot day, and she probably simply didn’t feel up to it,” Seward continued. “I’m sure she was disappointed and really wanted to be there at [Prince] William’s side.”

She concluded, “[Kate] loves racing and so does her mum. But this was a social event – for fun and pleasure – rather than an official or charity engagement, so I think it was a wise decision, even though it was probably a difficult one, too.”

Us Weekly has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment.

Kate and William, both 43, were set to appear together on day two of the Royal Ascot on June 18. However, it was revealed just before the event that William would instead be riding in a carriage with King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.

Prince Louis of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales Karwai Tang/WireImage

Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, attended the event instead, bringing along daughter-in-law Alizee Thevenet, who is married to Kate’s brother, James Middleton.

Days before the Royal Ascot, Kate joined the royal family at Trooping the Colour, the annual birthday parade held for Charles, 76, in London, on June 14. She was spotted celebrating the event with William and their three kids, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.

Kate’s absence from the Royal Ascot comes after her battle with an unspecified type of cancer last year. She first announced her diagnosis in March 2024, revealing that she would be stepping back from her public-facing royal duties in order to focus on her treatment.

Kate Middleton’s Cancer Battle Timeline: From Diagnosis to Remission

Kate announced in September 2024 that she had completed chemotherapy. Later, in January, she revealed that her cancer was in remission.

“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,” she wrote via Instagram. “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”

Kate added, “It is a relief to now be in remission. And I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”