Kate has made a careful return to royal duties in recent months

Princess Kate Middleton has made less public appearances than usual in recent months, following her journey through chemotherapy after a shock cancer diagnosis in the spring of 2024.

In January of this year, the Princess of Wales shared she was in remission and continued a phased return to royal duties. However, the princess has made it clear that her rest and recovery are the priority amid her royal schedule.

Now, Kate has fulfilled her first royal appearance since her absence from the Royal Ascot last week.

Princess Kate attended Trooping the Colour earlier this month (Credit: Cover Images)

Kate Middleton makes first appearance since Royal Ascot absence

Kate reportedly accompanied Prince William for a private meeting with Melinda French Gates at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, June 25.

As per Buckingham Palace’s Court Circular, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as Joint Patrons of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, received Ms. Melinda French Gates at Windsor Castle.

Melinda French Gates is the founder of Pivotal Ventures, an organisation that aims to advance social progress and expand women’s power and influence in the US and around the world.

William and Kate represented their Royal Foundation at the meeting. The foundation focuses on areas including early years and mental health – areas both royals have demonstrated their passion for improving.

The meeting was private, and no photos were taken.

Kate shared she was in remission from cancer in January (Credit: Cover Images)

Princess Kate’s next appearance

Earlier in the day, William hosted an investiture at Windsor Castle. It was here he awarded former England manager, Sir Gareth Southgate, with his knighthood.

It comes after Princess Kate bowed out of her appearance at Royal Ascot last week.

According to reports, the princess will not be seen publicly this week. However, Kate’s next public appearance could be at Wimbledon, which starts on Monday, June 30.

Kate is also expected to be involved as French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron are hosted for a state visit at Windsor Castle at the start of July.

It is yet to be confirmed whether Kate will attend the white-tie state banquet.

Last week, the princess released a personal message in support of Children’s Hospice Week.

Princess of Wales shares message

The Princess of Wales gushed over the “extraordinary” work of children’s hospices.

She described them as “lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing”.

Kate is patron of East Anglia Children’s Hospices and Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales.

Elsewhere this week, William attended a panel discussion at the Leading with Impact event during London’s Climate Action Week.

The prince also confirmed an upcoming trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Prince of Wales to jet off to Brazil for Earthshot Prize Awards

He will travel to Rio de Janeiro in November for the fifth Earthshot Prize Awards.

William said: “From a personal point of view, I’ve always wanted to get South America, particularly Brazil. So I’m personally very excited about going down there. I think South America as a whole, the amount of ecosystem, kind of environmental interest and passion that is there.

“I think that’s really important. And I think they epitomise the approach to what we can be doing more sustainably. The vibrancy, the energy, the enthusiasm. I think the awards will be spectacular.”

The Prince of Wales founded the Earthshot Prize in 2020. The organisation aims to find solutions to “repair” the planet.