Jump directly to the content

PRINCESS Kate is set to do a “gradual return” to royal duties in 2025 following her chemotherapy treatment last year.

Royal reporter Bronte Coy spoke on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Show about what the new year could look like for the Princess of Wales, 43.

Black and white photo of Catherine, Princess of Wales.
6
Princess Kate celebrated her 43rd birthday last week and is expected to 'gradually return' to royal dutiesCredit: Matt Porteous
Catherine, Princess of Wales, presents Novak Djokovic with the Wimbledon runner-up trophy.
6
Last July Kate delighted royal fans as she attended Wimbledon in her role as patronCredit: Reuters

She shared: “I think there have been pains at Kensington Palace, and everyone else has been at pains, to remind us that it is a gradual return. 

“She's not someone who's just going to bounce back immediately into a full schedule of work.

“She also has three kids that she needs to factor in.

“And I think that what we saw in December feels to me like a bit of a blueprint of what is likely to come for the next 12 months, which is she's doing the work.”

More on Princess Kate

Last month, the Princess of Wales hosted her annual Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

She was also seen on Christmas Day with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham as they headed to church.

Bronte revealed the main project that Princess Kate will be focusing on this year, saying: “I think she'll be focusing on projects like her Early Years work, because we know that she remained briefed on that for a large part of the year anyway, even while she was out of the public eye.”

Meanwhile, when it comes to events there are a few key calendar dates we can look out for.

Bronte added: “There'll be large events, I imagine, this year, like Trooping the Colour and other big royal events of the year that she will be supporting the royal family.”

In addition to this, the Princess of Wales is expected to be in attendance at this year’s Bafta Awards on February 16, after skipping last year’s due to her health.

Truth behind Prince William’s ‘remarkable’ gesture to Princess Kate

Overseas tours or visits not thought to be on the cards for Kate in early 2025, with the royal reporter adding: “Unfortunately it's been taken off the table that she will be taking part in overseas visits. 

“I know Australians will be very disappointed. 

“You know, William and Catherine. They're the rock stars in this excitement when they go.”

This is despite Prince William last year saying they might “have some more trips lined up”.

The Princess of Wales holding a lit candle and a program at a Christmas carol service.
6
The Princess of Wales hosted her Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 6Credit: PA
Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
6
Catherine appeared with her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as part of the Trooping the Colour last JuneCredit: Reuters
Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their three children smiling for a family photo.
6
In September, Princess Kate announced she had finished chemotherapy treatment, in a heartwarming family videoCredit: Reuters

However, Bronte stated: “She's showing up. 

“She's doing it in a more gradual way than we saw previously. 

“She took part in part of the Qatari royal visit. She took part in her annual Christmas carols concert.

“It's kind of cherry picking those major things that she's that she cares about and that she can maintain the work of, but probably not just throwing herself into too many new projects or things where she may not necessarily need to take part this year.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales, smiling at a Christmas Day service.
6
Kate stepped out with the royal family on Christmas Day at SandringhamCredit: Reuters

Kate's birthday plans

Kate celebrated her 43rd birthday on Thursday surrounded by family, including hubby Prince William, 42, and their children George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Louis.

In the past 12 months Kate has been largely out of the public eye after having abdominal surgery last January followed by treatment for cancer.

Kensington Palace is working on her 2025 programme, which “balances work, being a mum and supporting her wider family” and public-facing engagements will continue this year.

She's not someone who's just going to bounce back immediately into a full schedule of work

Bronte CoyRoyal reporter

A source said: “It would be wonderful to see the Princess of Wales up and down the country and this year I’m sure that will be the case.”

Since her health scare, Kate has only been on public engagements in London, including Trooping the Colour, Remembrance Sunday, her carol concert, Wimbledon tennis and the Qatari State Visit.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

But she did join William to meet emergency service heroes in Southport after three little girls were stabbed to death there in July.

Meanwhile, Prince William is expected to travel abroad for official royal engagements and will also take his annual £50million Earthshot Prize to another corner of the globe in the autumn.

Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery

JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery

JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent abdominal surgery

JAN 18: William spends time at Kate's bedside

JAN 23: The princess' hospital stay passes one week

JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital

FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health

MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate

Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother's Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out 'kill notice' on photo

Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William

Mar 16: Royal fans spot the Princess at farm shop near Windsor

Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport

Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior

Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis

April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos

June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel's Review but pens letter to Irish Guards revealing: "I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon"

June 15: Kate attends Trooping the Colour alongside her family

July 14: Kate attends the Wimbledon Men's Final with Princess Charlotte

August 11: Kate and William release video congratulating Team GB after the Paris Olympics

August 25: Kate is seen heading to church

September 9: Kate shares moving video revealing she has finished chemotherapy

Topics