Kate Middleton's emotional return 'really important' to King Charles
Kate Middleton has made an emotional return to solo royal duties after more than a year away. The Princess of Wales' first official visit saw her go back to the hospital where she received her cancer treatment.
She spent the day at the Royal Marsden Hospital in West London chatting with patients and staff. The future Queen also announced that her own cancer was in remission, the Mirror reports.
Although the mother-of-three did attend a couple of high-profile royal events last year - including Trooping the Colour - she largely remained out of the public eye during her health battle. Her gradual return to work and "support" to the crown was said to be massively appreciated by King Charles, an expert has claimed.
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Dr Ed Owens told Us Weekly that Kate representing the monarchy again in official engagements would be really "important" to King Charles. The historian and author said: "Knowing that Catherine is available, supporting William and also supporting the monarchy, is, I think, really important to him right now."
He said the King "knows the institution is only as strong as the personalities that front it", and given Kate's high popularity rating, her renewed presence could make a huge difference to the monarchy. Recent YouGov ratings saw Kate top the approval rankings for the royals.
Kate had a 79 per cent approval with the British public, while Prince William had 74 per cent. King Charles currently has an approval rating of 51 per cent.
Although there was a demand amongst royal fans, Kate would not be making a full-time return to work just yet. She made it clear in September that her focus would remain on her health for the time being. "My path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes," she said.