Insider suggests date Kate Middleton may resume public engagements following cancer treatment

A confidante of the Princess of Wales has reportedly given a hint about when she might resume her public duties. Kate Middleton has been absent from her Royal responsibilities since the start of the year due to major abdominal surgery and a subsequent cancer diagnosis.

In a heartfelt statement released in March, the 42-year-old disclosed she was receiving preventative chemotherapy. In her announcement, she expressed how her work has brought her "a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able."

The statement added: "For now I must focus on making a full recovery" while requesting "some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment."

It has recently come to light, according to reports in the Mirror, the princess has been kept up-to-date with a new study by her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which focuses on how companies can aid the early development of children.

Despite being briefed on the report, Kensington Palace has emphasised Kate has not yet resumed her official duties.

Daily Mail columnist Richard Eden speculated on the timing of her return, noting: "She has not undertaken any public engagements this year and friends I spoke to in the past few days suggest we might not see Catherine again until the autumn and only then if she has recovered fully."

He also cited an insider's comment: "No one wants to put any pressure on Catherine. The only thing that matters at the moment is her getting better. She has been through an ordeal this year."

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Following a report earlier this week, an insider told the Daily Mail that Kate will only resume her Royal duties once she receives approval from her doctors. Despite her recovery process keeping her away from public engagements for several months, Prince William has been actively involved in various events.

During these public appearances, the future king has shared some positive updates about his wife's health. Last month, while visiting a suicide prevention charity in Newcastle, he interacted with numerous well-wishers.

One of them, Julie Cain, 60, asked the prince about his family's wellbeing, to which William responded: "All doing well, thank you. Yes, we're doing well."

A few weeks ago, during a visit to a hospital, William provided another rare update about Kate. This occurred during his trip to the Isles of Scilly, where he visited St. Mary's Community Hospital to meet the staff and learn about plans for a significant new extension.

Upon arrival, Tracy Smith, who oversees hospital administration, greeted the Prince. She enquired about Kate's health and was informed that she was "doing well".

Tracy later shared: "I asked how Princess Kate was and how the children were and said I hoped they would enjoy some time here over the summer. He said he would very much like that to be able to happen."

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