The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has returned to her royal duties following cancer treatment.
Today, she welcomed the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his first wife, Sheikha Jawaher, during a formal engagement—the most significant public appearance she has made since beginning her treatment. Kate and Prince William greeted the Qatari royals on behalf of King Charles III.
For the occasion, Kate donned a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen coat and a Sahar Millinery hat, paired with jewelry that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
Her return to royal duties includes participating in an official welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade and a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace. She will also join a private lunch at the palace and view a display of Qatari artifacts from the Royal Collection.
However, Kate will not attend tonight’s State Banquet, marking a gradual approach to resuming her responsibilities.
A royal source described her attendance as “good news,” emphasizing her cautious and measured return to public life following preventative chemotherapy treatment. The Princess had announced in March that she underwent treatment after doctors detected signs of the disease during major abdominal surgery in January. She completed the course of treatment in September but stated that her recovery would take time.
Today’s events mark the beginning of a busier schedule for the Princess, culminating in her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday. Prince William and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are expected to join her for the event.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla, who is still recovering from a lingering viral chest infection, missed the welcome ceremony on medical advice. The 77-year-old royal, experiencing fatigue, will attend the Buckingham Palace lunch and most of the evening’s State Banquet.
