Why Does Kate Middleton's Return to Work Look So Different From King Charles's?
Thus far in 2024, King Charles and Kate Middleton's health stories have been intertwined. Kate had abdominal surgery; while she was recovering in the hospital, King Charles, too, underwent treatment. In February, Buckingham Palace announced Charles was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer; in March, Kensington Palace announced that Kate, too, had been diagnosed with cancer (and similarly declined to share the specific diagnosis).
When Kate Middleton announced yesterday she had finished her chemotherapy treatment, she said in a video, "Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus." She added, "Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can." This likely means we won't see the Princess of Wales much for the rest of the year, and she will remain out of the public eye.
On the flip side, in April, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles would return to public engagements, but his treatment isn't over yet. There was no personal message from Charles, only a statement from a spokesperson who shared, "His Majesty's treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery."
Since, Charles has appeared in public numerous times, though he's still had to step back on some occasions—including on an upcoming trip to the Netherlands, where he will be represented by his sister, Princess Anne. Recently, Queen Camilla offered an update on Charles, sharing, "he's doing very well."
Of course, it's hard to compare King Charles and the Princess of Wales—the former is head of state, and has a whole host of duties and obligations that the latter does not. And, it's hard to know what medical advice over their return to work was given, as no details have been shared on either of their specific diagnoses or treatments. Every case, and every person, is different.
One thing they have in common: They are both likely being treated in consultation with the Royal Medical Household, physicians in the royal household who look after members of the royal family.
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