When Kate Middleton appeared in front of the public for the royal family‘s 2023 Christmas outing, her smile was as bright as her blue ensemble. However, the happy holiday photos snapped by the paparazzi hid the heartbreaking truth and shocking secret of her illness.

The royal family gathered for their usual walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Dec. 25, 2023. Kate Middleton, Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, met other senior royals and interacted with the public as they do every year.

For the occasion, Kate Middleton leaned on one of her favorite designers, Alexander McQueen. She wore a blue coat dress by the designer with a matching hat, and sapphire earrings belonging to her mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

As she held hands with her children during the walk, Kate chatted with onlookers. Per paparazzi photographs that captured the event, the princess didn’t appear to be in any medical distress at the time.

However, just one month after the holiday season concluded, it was revealed that Kate had entered the hospital for a scheduled abdominal surgery. Whether or not the princess knew of her medical condition at that time will likely never be revealed outside of the royal family.

The shock of Kate’s subsequent health news was palatable to royal watchers. Little did they know that this would be the princesses’ last public appearance for almost half a year.

Less than one month after Christmas, Kate Middleton had a planned abdominal surgery at The London Clinic. She remained there after her procedure for almost two weeks, recuperating.

Shortly after, the Princess of Wales returned to Windsor to continue her recovery. A statement on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram page reads, “The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress.”

The statement continued, “The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided. The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”

Then, for two months, there was silence from the palace regarding any health updates regarding the princess. Speculation grew to a fever pitch over her whereabouts.

Perhaps that was why, on March 22, the Princess of Wales issued an unprecedented statement explaining that she was being treated for cancer. She said she was receiving chemotherapy treatments and would return to work when her doctors cleared her to do so.

Thus, it has yet to be determined when Kate Middleton will return to her duties as a working royal family member. She has also yet to complete any public-facing commitments since recording a video in March explaining her health struggles.

The Los Angeles Times reports the palace backs up Kate’s initial commentary that she will not return to public duties until her medically able. Their statement reads, “The princess is not expected to return to work until it’s cleared by her medical team.”

Royal watchers were hopeful the princess would appear, perhaps on video, for the release of a new report by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. Kate launched the organization in 2021. Alas, that did not happen.

However, a Kensington Palace spokesperson told the Daily Mail, Kate remains committed to her work with the Royal Foundation Centre. “This is a clear commitment she has made that throughout her life of public service, this will be the focus. That will continue when she returns to work.”

The statement concluded, “But 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 continues her recovery at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. She is married to Prince William and is the mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

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