Kate Middleton is putting herself first as she celebrates her birthday four months after announcing she had completed chemotherapy for an undiagnosed form of cancer.
The Princess of Wales turned 43 on January 9, celebrating her first birthday after a difficult year. In March 2024, Princess Kate announced that she was being treated for cancer, and in September she announced that she had completed chemotherapy. In a rare discovery at her place Together at Christmas in December, Princess Kate said, “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year I just had.”
Looking ahead, a family friend exclusively tells PEOPLE that the Princess of Wales, described as the type of sports person who “does run, skip and jump,” is now wisely prioritizing her health.
“She’s taking care of herself and it’s wise to do that. She’ll know when she wakes up if she’s good enough or not [to do something]”, says a family friend.
Prince George, Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Jordan Peck/Getty
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Robert Hardman, author The Making of a King: Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, he points out that the princess may still be recovering.
“They encourage us not to look at this as a chapter that’s over and then back to normal, because that’s not how cancer works,” Hardman tells PEOPLE. “The details remain secret, but we cannot get over the fact that it is an unpredictable disease.”
“The clue is in her phrase ‘one at a time’ — that’s how she’s going to approach it,” Hardman says, referring to a line in her Sept. 9 post about finishing chemotherapy. The Princess of Wales said in that video message: “Doing everything I can to stay cancer free is my focus now. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my road to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”
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Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey for A Christmas Carol Mass on December 6, 2024.
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Adds the source: “She’s been allowed to go back to her own way. She’s been able to do it and do it her way, and that’s great.”
The Princess of Wales was last seen on Christmas Day, where she and Prince William and their children, Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (9) and Prince Louis (6), went to St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. estate.
The royal was in her element as she spoke to well-wishers, and many of her meaningful conversations with the crowd were about cancer. King Charles was also diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer last February and palace sources say his treatment is “moving in a positive direction” as it continues in 2025.
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Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla, Prince William, King Charles and more members of the royal family walk to St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2024 in Sandringham, Norfolk.
Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty
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“The family saw [Kate] through all the issues this year … There’s a sense of optimism for the future,” says the insider.
Princess Kate is spending her birthday at home with Prince William and their children, who recently returned to the classroom at Lambrook School after the holiday break.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education