Surprise, it’s Kate Middleton! The Princess of Wales, 42, has made a number of surprise appearances since completing cancer treatment at the end of the summer. Why? A former royal staffer says surprise appearances, as opposed to scheduled ones, can take some of the pressure off for Kate.
Kate Middleton has made multiple surprise appearances in 2024
Gone are the days of knowing Kate would be somewhere at a certain date and time. At least as she continues to recover after being diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in early 2024.
Instead, she shows up somewhat unexpectedly to events. Take, for instance, back in October 2024, when she joined Prince William, 42, in Southport, England, to meet with first responders. It was a surprise to see Kate there with her husband, the Prince of Wales.
Since then, Kate’s attended Remembrance Day events (her appearances were widely expected though), participated in a state visit, and hosted her annual Christmas carol concert.
Kate gets a certain level of ‘flexibility’ by making surprise appearances
Speaking to People, Queen Elizabeth II’s former press secretary Alisa Anderson explained what’s likely behind Kate’s surprise appearances. Simply put, “an unexpected visit gives her flexibility,” according to Anderson.
That means no heightened expectations if Kate doesn’t feel up to it by the time the event rolls around. “They can’t raise people’s expectations with lots of engagements only for her to face a setback, not feel well, and things are canceled,” Anderson explained.
So, there it is, the reason behind Kate’s surprise appearances. To be fair, Kate’s appearances haven’t all been entirely unexpected. Kensington Palace has, on occasion, confirmed her attendance at events a day or even hours before as she continues to ease back into full-time royal duties.
Kate and Prince William are enjoying the ‘calm before the storm’
While William and Kate are preparing for what’s next—ahem, taking the throne—they’re also enjoying this stage of their lives. “There’s a sense of calm before the storm,” a source told the publication. “They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives. And, of course, Kate’s health has taken priority. But it’s also allowed everyone to take a step back and figure out what’s important right now.”
That doesn’t mean William and Kate aren’t learning the ropes. “Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment,” author Sally Bedell Smith said.
“As a result, William has been taking on more responsibilities,” she explained. “And he and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they would have expected.” Despite staring down more royal duties than ever before, the couple’s focus is “family time.”
“Given what the future holds, it would be very sensible to build back slowly and prioritize family time,” an insider said, noting eventually duties will make quality time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis more difficult. (They might take a page from Queen Camilla’s book and schedule family time.)
For now, William and Kate are having festive nights with the Wales kids and gearing up for quality time over Christmas while the question of when Kate will return to the public eye full-time remains.
