A Turn in Their Decisions Shows How Kate’s Cancer and the Treatment for Recovery Have Marked Their Lives
The lives of Prince William and Kate Middleton have always been a topic of great public interest. Despite the commitments that come with their position and the future that awaits them, they try to live meaningful private and personal moments. Every decision made as a family reflects the effort to find a balance between the personal and the institutional.
The year 2025 began with new perspectives for Kate Middleton, after going through a difficult period due to her health. The Princess of Wales has found the strength to resume her official commitments, but also to make the most of family moments.
A Low-Profile Family Getaway
This April, the British royal family enjoyed a discreet getaway to a top-level destination in the French Alps. According to ‘Paris Match,’ the Princes of Wales and their children traveled to Courchevel, staying in the chalet of close friends. This family retreat, away from public attention, became the perfect setting to strengthen their bonds.
Being away from the media hustle is a time they want to enjoy as a family. “We knew they were there. But few of us have seen them, I don’t know more,” said a local technician, keeping the privacy of the princes. Although this type of getaway is not new, the recent trip carries a greater emotional weight.
After Kate’s cancer diagnosis, the princess has made it clear on various occasions that her approach to life has changed. As she herself has said, the illness has allowed her to value what is most important: family. After her cancer remission, she has done everything possible to find moments where she can enjoy the company of her husband and children.
Private Vacations to Strengthen Their Family Bond
The rest in the Alps is not the only getaway the princes have enjoyed in recent months. In January, on the occasion of Carole Middleton’s 70th birthday, the British royal family traveled to the Caribbean. Specifically, they traveled to Mustique, a private island in the heart of the Lesser Antilles.
During their stay in Mustique, in addition to enjoying the warm weather, they engaged in activities such as diving with turtles and horseback riding, activities that allowed them to completely disconnect. What both trips show is the clear commitment of Kate and William to their marriage. After such a challenging year, they have decided to prioritize their relationship and their time together.
Although royal obligations remain an essential part of their lives, Kate has made it clear that she also wants to create memories with her family. This reflects her decision to find time for what truly matters, the well-being of her family and her own peace of mind.
Kate Middleton Reveals the Reason She Left London for Windsor with Prince William and Their Children
The Princess of Wales is giving Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince George a similar upbringing to her own
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Kate Middleton is speaking out on why she and Prince William decided to move their family from the bustle of London to the country in Windsor in 2022.
Princess Kate made the revelation in conversation with soldiers from the Irish Guards after attending the unit’s St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17. The Princess of Wales, 43, is the ceremonial Colonel of the British Army regiment and participated in the parade at the Wellington Barracks in London, a city where she, William and their three kids used to live.
While speaking with guardsmen and their families after the parade, Kate was asked where she and her family lived.
“We are in Windsor at the moment,” she said. “We were in London but moved there for more green space.”
She added, “It’s close enough to London, not too far away.”
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Prince William and Princess Kate are parents to Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, and the family of five moved from London to Windsor in the summer of 2022. They had previously been based at Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace in the heart of London and moved about an hour west to Windsor.
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The Prince and Princess of Wales’ family settled at Adelaide Cottage, a historic home inside the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park and tucked within the 650-acre Home Park privately run by the Crown Estate.
The home is just a half mile from Windsor Castle, which was Queen Elizabeth‘s primary residence in the last years of her life. In the biography Catherine, Princess of Wales, published in August 2024, Robert Jobson wrote that Kate felt it was important for William to be near his grandmother as she got older. Queen Elizabeth died in September 2022 at age 96.
“Catherine understood that for William, as a future king, it was important for him to be geographically closer to the late Queen in her final months, when he was required to support both her and his father. It made a real difference,” Jobson wrote. “They were in regular contact, seeing each other in person and speaking on the phone several times a week, bringing them even closer.”
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Moving out to Windsor also brought William, Kate and their kids geographically closer to her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. Carole and Michael raised their children — Kate, Pippa and James — in Bucklebury, Berkshire, where they remain based.
A palace insider previously told PEOPLE that Carole and Michael are “an enduring factor in the upbringing of their grandchildren,” and they stepped up as a strong support when Kate recovered from abdominal surgery in January 2024. The insider said the couple would be a “reassuring presence” as she recuperated at home, and they were there for their daughter when she shared last March that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Princess Kate turned to nature as a source of solace as she focused on her health in 2024, from filming her cancer announcement video in the garden of Windsor Castle to issuing a pensive picture of herself beneath a tree in Windsor in the first health update she issued that June.
Kate also headed outside with William, George, Charlotte and Louis in August to record the footage for her Sept. 9 announcement that she completed chemotherapy. The family explored the outdoors in Norfolk, which is home to their country house, Anmer Hall, in the video where Kate explained the cancer journey came with “a new perspective on everything.”
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Years before, the Princess of Wales said that she was happiest when outside with her family in the countryside. She again mentioned that she was uplifted by sunshine while visiting The Royal Marsden Hospital on Jan. 14, which came with the confirmation that she previously received treatment for cancer there.
Speaking about the importance of self-care during and after treatment, Princess Kate said, “I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight,” the Daily Mail reported then.
The greenery of Windsor may have given the princess a boost during her cancer journey, and she’s seemingly returned to work in full force after sharing on Jan. 14 with “relief” that she is in remission.
Kate Middleton faces mounting pressures of becoming queen: experts
As Kate Middleton returns to royal duties, she can’t escape the pressure of being England’s queen consort one day.
“Her priority and thoughts are keeping her family well and safe, as well as forging ahead as the relatable and relevant future queen,” British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital.
“Princess Catherine is prepared for the current working shift,” Chard claimed. “As the statesman, Prince William is center stage and working on his soft diplomacy skills. His diplomatic missions designed to boost UK ties [will] mean more travel… Princess Catherine knew exactly what her role would be when marrying into the royal family. She has all the fitting attributes, seamlessly transitioning into her role over many years.”
“She receives support from her family and learned from the very best, the late Queen Elizabeth II,” Chard added.
Chard’s claims came shortly after royal insiders recently spoke to People magazine for their cover story on the Princess of Wales. In it, they claimed that the mother of three has been “managing the growing expectations tied to her future role as queen.” They noted it’s “a responsibility that now feels more pressing than ever.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their two children at the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that as King Charles III continues to battle an undisclosed form of cancer, all eyes are on Kate and William to lead the monarchy’s future.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, makes a keynote speech during the Shaping Us National Symposium on November 15, 2023, in London, England. The symposium, hosted by the Princess of Wales and The Royal Foundation Center for Early Childhood, brings together leaders and specialists to consider key foundational skills for early childhood which can result in healthy adult lives. (Richard Pohle – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“King Charles is looking his age now and his illness has taken its toll,” said Turner about the 76-year-old. “A new era of [a] young monarchy is set to take over the mantle in the future.
“The pressure of being the Princess of Wales, looking after a young family, being by William’s side, still recovering from cancer treatments, as well as the mental trauma she faced still weighs heavily on Kate. But she seems to be smiling throughout, delighting crowds when seen in public, and giving a new confidence to the future monarchy.”
Kate Middleton has received plenty of support from senior royals, including Princess Anne. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Kate is known as one of the most famous, photographed and talked-about women in the world. But behind palace doors, she fought a very personal battle.
In March of last year, after sparking concern due to her absence from the public eye, Kate disclosed that she was being treated for an unspecified form of cancer. Six weeks before her revelation, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was receiving treatment for cancer.
In September, Kate announced she had completed chemotherapy and would be making some public appearances in the coming months.
Catherine, Princess of Wales during Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024, in London, England. (Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images)
“Catherine is prioritizing her health and family as she recovers from a truly traumatic year, which William has described as ‘brutal,’” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital.
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey on March 10, 2025, in London, England. (Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“It has, as illness knows no boundaries, enabled her to link with other sufferers and, in moving video messages, communicate in a unique way. However, her commitment to a future as our queen is total. She and William make an ideal team, whether on tour together or enjoying a bit of sporting rivalry.”
Middleton returned to her beloved Wimbledon in July 2024. (Getty Images)
“Their popularity, both at home and abroad, is phenomenal and rightly so,” he said. “There is also her influence on fashion, which should not be downplayed. She is in an ideal partnership with William in very testing times for the Western world. The monarchy has a special role to play as things evolve.”
Turner claimed that as Kate thinks about her future as queen, she’s been getting plenty of support from three women.
Queen Camilla receives a message of support for Catherine, Princess of Wales from well-wishers during her visit to the Farmers’ Market on March 27, 2024, in Shrewsbury, England. (Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty Images)
“Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, is one former PR stalwart she can totally rely on for advice,” said Turner. “Princess Anne has a huge royal role these days in working with the king [closely]. No doubt, behind the scenes, she, too, gives guidance.
“Queen Camilla… also comes from a non-royal background and is a wonderful example of how she treats everyone with great respect, dignity and diplomacy. Thus, she is another shining example for Kate to follow.”
Kate Middleton has returned to royal duties and has accompanied her husband to raise awareness of causes they support. (Getty Images)
Still, William is always on hand to guide Kate in what will be one of the greatest roles of her life.
Queen Elizabeth II was a role model for Kate Middleton. England’s longest-reigning monarch died in 2022 at age 96. (Phil Noble – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“William, now a practiced royal professional, will create the extra guidance Kate needs to fulfill this enormous task ahead,” said Turner.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich claimed to Fox News Digital that the king greatly admires his “beloved” daughter-in-law and cheers her on behind the scenes as she continues to take on royal duties in the new year.
King Charles III has been frequently spotted completing royal duties and attending Sunday service alongside his wife, Queen Camilla. (Max Mumby/Getty Images)
“The royal family, particularly King Charles III, have embraced her,” said Fordwich. “There is a universal admiration for her. Sophie is also a steady and strong mentor. Sophie, also with a non-royal background, has successfully navigated royal life and, likewise, has never put a foot wrong, so her guidance is a great asset.”
King Charles III has a great fondness for his daughter-in-law, royal experts have told Fox News Digital. (Geoff Pugh – WPA Pool / Getty Images)
“[The royal family feels] Princess Catherine is handling the pressures of her royal duties with grace and dignity,” Fordwich shared. “Her quiet confidence, resilience and relatability have rendered her beloved by the public, topping the popularity polls on both sides of the Atlantic and throughout the Commonwealth… She’s now extremely comfortable and relaxed in her role.”
“She never complains but rather carries on with her great roles to make generational changes with her early years care projects,” Fordwich continued. “She’s deeply committed to improving life chances for those with a tough start in life, a huge element of development in the first four years of life.”
Palace insiders told People magazine that they’ve been surprised by Kate’s approach to royal duties. Some had speculated that she would keep her public appearances limited as she focuses on her recovery. However, she has “defied expectations” with several solo engagements early this year.
Catherine, Princess of Wales and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attend the annual National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 10, 2024, in London, England. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“She is the MVP of the royal family, and no one knew when she was going to come back,” royal historian Amanda Foreman told the outlet.
Still, the outlet noted that the palace continues to “exercise caution.” They have chosen to announce her appearances closer to the time while emphasizing that her recovery is their top priority.
Kate Middleton announced in September 2024 that she had completed chemotherapy treatments. (Will Warr)
“She has been very good at managing expectations, and it’s wise for her to downplay it a bit because when she does more than people anticipated, it has a greater impact,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told the outlet. “It’s evident that she is feeling closer to 100 percent than one would have thought at this stage.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla travel down The Mall in a horse-drawn carriage during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023, in London, England. (Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
The outlet also reported that there’s been “a shift” in how Kate now wants to be perceived. Earlier this year, The Sunday Times initially reported that Kensington Palace will cut back on naming the clothing designers Princess Kate chooses to wear while participating in royal duties.
A spokesperson for the palace told the outlet, “There is an absolute feeling that [the public work] is not about what the princess is wearing.”
Kate Middleton is one of the most photographed women in the world. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
“She wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people and the causes she is spotlighting,” the story continued. “There will always be an appreciation of what the princess is wearing from some of the public, and she gets that. But do we need to be officially always saying what she is wearing? No. The style is there, but it’s about the substance.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh during the Order Of The Garter Service at Windsor Castle on June 19, 2023, in Windsor, England. (Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images)
However, Kensington Palace clarified the statement nearly a week later after the move sparked controversy.
The palace’s decision not to release details was criticized, as Kate’s outfit choices tend to shine a light on British fashion designers and the fashion industry itself.
Kate Middleton became the Princess of Wales upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II. (Getty Images)
Kensington Palace later said there was “no change” in the approach to Kate’s fashion policy.
Kate Middleton attends the traditional St Patrick’s Day Parade of the Irish Guards at Wellington Barracks in London, United Kingdom on March 17, 2025. During the ceremony, the Princess of Wales presented Long Service Medals and Good Conduct Medals to the soldiers of the Regiment. She then continued the tradition of distributing shamrocks to officers and guards. (Raid Necati Aslm/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“Over the last week, I have received numerous questions about a story regarding The Princess of Wales’s clothing and how Kensington Palace shares information about her outfits,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson told People magazine.
Kate Middleton joined Prince William at the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston in December. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
“To clarify, the comments that appeared in the article were from me, not The Princess of Wales,” the statement continued. “The comments that were reported should not be directly attributed to The Princess of Wales. To be clear, there has been no change in our approach to sharing information about Her Royal Highness’s clothing.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace at the time.
Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William of Wales attend the celebrations for Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey on March 10, 2025, in London, England. (Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images)
Chard told Fox News Digital that there’s one other rule that hasn’t changed as Kate focuses on her health and future – the old motto of keep calm and carry on.
“Self-assured Princess Catherine has dedicated herself to a life of service, lighting up every public occasion with renewed purpose,” said Chard. “Both Prince William and Princess Catherine have endured the hardest year of their lives due to Catherine’s ill health. However, they have emerged far stronger and focused, embracing their roles with clarity, energy, heart and tenacity.”
Royal experts told Fox News Digital that Kate Middleton is handling the pressures of being a future queen consort with grace. (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
“Compared to last year, future service feels like a breeze in the park for Princess Catherine,” said Chard. “There is talk of mounting pressure on Princess Catherine’s shoulders as she ramps up her role as Queen Catherine. However, there is no particular worry weighing her down. Princess Catherine does not entertain anything trivial. She is… much loved and championed by all the key royal players.”
Photos: Kate Middleton on Ski Vacation After Cancer Battle
It is a fun time for the Royal Family of Wales in the Alps. The Prince and Princess of Wales went on a vacation along with their kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. In the vacation photos with Prince William, Kate Middleton was seen trying her hand at skiing.
Kate Middleton and Prince Wiliam hit the slopes with their kids in new vacation photos
Kate Middleton and her husband, Prince William, and their kids toured the Alps on April 3, per Page Six. In photos obtained by Paris Match, Kate Middleton grabbed the limelight as she went skiing. The 43-year-old wore a white ski jacket with navy blue stripes and black pants with red and white stripes.
Additionally, her white ski helmet, black and white shoes, pink mirrored ski goggles, and dark gloves made the perfect combination. The pictures showed the Princess of Wales posing with the white ski poles, reflecting her joyful time in the snowy mountains.
Page Six also shared a carousel of photos by Backgrid of Prince William, Kate Middleton, and the kids’ snowy vacations. Besides Middleton, Prince William and the kids were also spotted skiing. William wore a black ski jacket with red and white stripes and red pants. The ensemble also featured a black ski helmet, black shoes, red mirrored ski goggles, and black gloves. The 42-year-old was captured skiing, holding his neon ski poles. Additionally, William made sure to go on a solo ski lift up the Alps.
One picture also showed the Prince and Princess of Wales standing close to each other, seemingly planning to ski together. Moreover, the kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, also seemed in a cheerful mood. Louis and Charlotte enjoyed the trip in color-coded jackets while George decided to go all pink.
In one image, the prince appears to help the youngest kid with the skis. Aside from snowy mountains, Paris Match supplied pictures of Middleton and her little boys enjoying the sun in casuals.
This is not the first time Kate Middleton and Prince William have been on a family vacation to the Alps. Previously, the royal family enjoyed a skiing holiday over New Year’s 2025.
Prince William, Kate Middleton and kids hit the slopes on fun family ski vacation in the French Alps
Family fun!
Prince William, his wife, Kate Middleton, and their kids were pictured hitting the slopes during their family ski vacation in the French Alps.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 — enjoyed a private day of skiing on April 3.
William, who wore a dark blue jacket and red ski pants, enjoyed a solo ski lift up the mountain and was seen helping his youngest child, who wore all blue, ski down the mountain.
Middleton, 43, looked chic in a white ski jacket with black lining and black pants.
The family of five’s getaway comes after they secretly enjoyed another ski trip before the mom of three revealed her cancer was in remission.
In January, the Daily Mail reported that the royal family enjoyed a quiet break in the Alps shortly after Christmas 2024.
William, 42, Middleton and their kids were spotted enjoying hot drinks and food at a mountaintop restaurant.
“It was lovely to see Kate relaxing and enjoying herself. They looked like a normal English family, and a lot of people didn’t recognise them,” a staff member told the outlet.
“It was not the first time we had seen them. They have been coming here for years. I think they love the area. We often see Kate’s sister Pippa as well.”
On January 14, Middleton shared photos on Instagram from her surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she received treatment.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,” she began in her emotional post.
Middleton then thanked everyone who “quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.”
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she added.
As Middleton continues to prioritize her health, she has been slowly getting back to her royal duties.
Last month, she sipped a Guinness beer while attending the annual St. Patrick’s parade at the Wellington Barracks in Westminster in London.
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