It’s fascinating how Kate Middleton has been balancing her royal duties along with her personal struggles. The doting wife and mother of three announced her cancer diagnosis in March last year. Though she revealed that she is in remission this January, fans still remain concerned about her health.
On June 14, she made a stunning appearance in a sky blue outfit at Trooping the Colour. She was accompanied by Prince William and their three kids at one of the royal family’s most high-profile celebrations. However, on June 18, she cancelled her attendance at Royal Ascot. The Prince of Wales appeared solo on the second day of the special week of horse racing at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England.
A brilliant afternoon of racing at Royal Ascot. Congratulations to William Buick, the Gosdens and the impressive Ombudsman on winning The Prince of Wales’s Stakes! 🏇🏆 pic.twitter.com/c63jNlmMVb
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 18, 2025
Kate’s absence surely made headlines, but it isn’t surprising. The Princess reduced her public appearances last year as she had back to back health issues. In January last year, she had an abdominal surgery, following which she was diagnosed with cancer. As her chemotherapy was completed in September, she slowly started resuming her duties as a royal. Even though she’s in remission, we know that recovery from cancer can be hard and takes a physical and mental toll.
Kate is also focusing on her recovery by limiting her public appearances. One such rare appearance was on November 10, 2024 when Kate joined the rest of the royal family for the National Service of Remembrance amid her cancer recovery. It’s an important day in the UK as it honors members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty.
Battle with cancer didn’t stop Kate from marking her presence last year as she hasn’t missed the National Service of Remembrance since she married William in 2011. Kate joined Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, on one of the palace’s balconies. The two were seen in deep conversation before the two-minute silence led by King Charles.
On Remembrance Sunday, we come together to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces. Let us pause, reflect, and remember them always. Lest We Forget. pic.twitter.com/CWYzUMpFsQ
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 10, 2024
Lip Reader Nicola Hickling could reportedly decode the conversation between the two royal women. As reported by The Sun, Sophie commented on Prince William’s new bearded look. She asked Kate, “What, you like a beard?”
The Princess replied, “I find it quite rousing”. Hickling claims that Sophie then laughed and replied, “You’re all better now.”
However, Lip Reader Kayleigh Harris claims that Kate described her husband’s beard as “never quite rounded”, rather than rousing. She believed that Sophie said, “a nice beard” and “it’s a lot better now”.
Though it’s unclear what Kate actually said, one thing is sure—people are clearly smitten by William’s bearded look. Someone commented on X, “William with a tan and a beard!!!!”
Someone else commented, “Great to see Catherine again, and William unshaved haha, it’s been years since we’ve seen that, what a sight!”
Prince William has continued his bearded look in 2025 as well. During his recent solo appearance at Royal Ascot, he was seen in a black blazer, patterned tie and a top hat. He shared a carriage with the King and Queen, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud. And the Prince definitely looked dapper in his greyish beard.
Scroll down for some images of Prince William and Kate Middleton:
