There’s no way around it, and Kate Middleton and her royal aides must know it: The Princess of Wales will face intense scrutiny about how she looks when she makes her dramatic return to public duties Saturday at King Charles’ birthday parade, as she continues to undergo treatment for cancer.

The Princess of Wales will appear in public for the first time since Christmas 2023, and since she revealed in March that she had an unspecified form of cancer. In a personal statement released on social media Friday, she said she was making “good progress” with her chemotherapy. 

But she also said she’s “not out of the woods yet,” her treatment is “ongoing,” and she has “good days and bad days,” with the bad days leaving her feeling “weak, tired.”she looks “weak, tired,” or finding reasons to praise her for looking “healthy” or “like herself.”

Since Kate first became known as Prince William’s college girlfriend, she has spent nearly two decades being judged by her appearance. She’s now one of the most famous women in the world and is known for her beauty and style. 

The mother of three usually is on the receiving end of lavish praise for the impeccable tailoring of her clothes, her slender, athletic frame and for the salon “blow-outs” of her long, glossy hair. The British tabloids and Vogue and other fashion magazines also have run online slide shows, celebrating her “best beauty moments.”

Now, Kate will be seen by millions after being diagnosed with cancer. In the photo released with her statement, she looked as though she might be having one of her better days. 

She stood, leaning against a tree, dressed casually in a stylish blazer, jeans and trainers. Her expression is reflective, as Kate’s statement also said, “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.”

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