As Princess Catherine reaches the end of the year marked by cancer recovery and a gradual reclaiming of her role, a royal expert claims she is making a measured return to public life. 2025 began with Catherine’s January 14 announcement of her remission from an undisclosed form of cancer and continued with a return to public life.
In a candid social media post, the Princess wrote: “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,” the princess wrote in the post, which she signed off as “C”. Royal historian Amanda Foreman told People Magazine: “This is someone who stared down the abyss. She didn’t just face a life- threatening illness — the global Internet went after her. It was a character assassination.”
The royal historian additionally claimed Princess Catherine has revealed just enough of herself to reassure the public while deliberately keeping her most private emotions protected.
She added: “She has that steeliness and that tremendous charm and that smile. It’s the combination of a willingness to show vulnerability but at the same time not being vulnerable.”
2024 was a year that Kate’s husband Prince William described as “brutal” while in Cape Town for the Earthshot Prize, as both his wife and his father, King Charles, were diagnosed with cancer.
As she prioritised her health, the Princess of Wales was absent from public life for much of the year, but has made a gradual return to royal life throughout 2025.
Royal biographer, Catherine Mayer added: “She is in this confident phase where she is able to define who she is, what she does, and how much she does. In that sense, she’s approaching her prime. Kate looks like our idea of a future queen.”
Participating in three state banquets, complete with three beautiful tiara moments, were highlights of 2025, including Catherine’s appearance at the German state banquet at Windsor Castle on December 3.
During this time, the Princess wore a new tiara for the first time. The Princess of Wales has only worn five different tiaras since marrying into the royal family in 2011, most frequently opting for the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot, also a favorite of Princess Diana’s.