The Princess of Wales has endured a gruelling nine months that have put her resilience to the test. Since her planned abdominal surgery in January that resulted in a “shock” cancer diagnosis in March, Kate has been forced to confront her fragility - while also trying to keep worries as low as possible for her children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
And while there is still some way to go, the light at the end of the tunnel came into focus when the Wales family released a heartfelt video revealing that the princess had finished her chemotherapy treatment. It was the joyful news royal fans had eagerly waited for and underlined that, above all else, her family remains her priority, according to a new report in OK!.
Catherine's clear intent that her family takes precedence above all, going forward, comes with the full backing of William, according to insights from former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond. "Catherine has made it clear that from now on, more than ever, her family will come first," says Jennie. Adding that, while the Princess intends to ease back into Royal duties gradually and on her own terms, "She will return to work slowly, on her own terms, and William will completely support her in this. I don't think he will exert any pressure whatsoever on her to increase her workload, because the days of duty taking precedence over everything have passed."
Jennie explains: "This doesn't mean she intends to be only part-time forever because these days there are other ways to be visible... Video messages and social media posts are all ways she could still be in touch and give her support to her causes, while still being there for her children. In 12 or so years, when Catherine's full recovery will hopefully be well-established, the children will probably all be off into further education, and then she can concentrate more on her work... But until she feels comfortable taking on more, we must be patient."
The families challenges over the past nine months have surely touched George, Charlotte, and Louis, who, according to Jennie, require their mother's presence now more than ever.
"We should spare a thought for those children. Yes, I know they have been born into huge privilege, but they have a grandfather with cancer, a grandmother who was killed before they were born, a mother the centre of their world who has been made vulnerable by this sledgehammer of a disease, and a dad who is battling all sorts of emotions while trying to do the best for his family and his country. Those children deserve to have their mum with them for as long as they need her."
As she focuses on her recovery, it's expected that the princess will slowly re-engage with her Royal duties. "I think it's almost certain we will see her on Remembrance Day, if she's well enough," anticipates Royal commentator Jennie. "There are also plans for her to host her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, which should be a joyous occasion, and I'm sure many senior members of the royal family will want to support her."
In an intimate glimpse into their lives at Anmer Hall, Norfolk, the video featured the Wales family, underscored by Catherine's poignant voiceover. Beginning the narration, she shared, "As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you."
Catherine continued with reflective honesty, "With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."
Concluding the heartfelt message, she emphasized the importance of love, stating, "William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light so let that light shine bright."
Prince William himself admitted during his recent engagements in Wales that there's still "a long way to go" for the princess. However, their new family video has shed light on who has been supporting her throughout this journey.
"I don't think it was any coincidence that after she talked about loving and being loved we immediately saw footage of her parents joining in a fun card game," Jennie observes. "They are quite obviously an integral part of the family and have undoubtedly been a source of enormous strength for Catherine through these past difficult months." It's undeniable that Carole and Michael Middleton have been a pillar of support for Prince William, Kate and their three young children. The strong bond between them was evident as they were filmed joyfully playing cards together, showcasing the family's tight-knit relationship.
Reflecting on how the couple must have felt watching their eldest daughter face such challenges this year, Jennie adds, "I always feel for Carole and Mike in all this, because this is their little girl who is facing a shocking and life-changing illness. While Catherine has been worrying about her own children, the Middletons have, I'm sure, been worrying about their darling daughter as well as their grandchildren." And while Carole and Michael have been crucial to the princess during this tough time, Jennie says they hold equal importance for William.
"There is no doubt that Kate has provided William with everything that was missing in his own family life. A deep, loving partnership based on friendship, passion and mutual respect, as well as a stable and happy relationship with her parents. They have welcomed William into their home and treated him like family. He can be himself around them, something he can only do with a select few."
Carole has indeed become a second mum to William who reportedly makes him his favourite snack of cheese on toast and keeps a good supply of his beloved sea salt chocolates at home but it's Michael's bond with him that provides even more stability.
"I believe the Middletons, especially Mike, have been a huge emotional support for William throughout this," Jennie comments. "As the husband, William is expected to be strong and bear the weight of everything that has happened. I'm sure he has confided in his father, but it's the Middletons who have been there day after day, whenever needed, and I think Mike has almost become a second dad to William."
Of course, it's not just Carole and Michael who have supported the couple Kate's siblings have also played a part. The small age difference between Kate, Pippa and James has fostered a lifelong bond among the three, particularly between the two sisters, whose lives reflect each other in many ways.
"Although we didn't see Pippa or James in the video, they are undoubtedly also part of what is a very tight family unit," Jennie highlights. "Pippa has said they tell one another almost everything and often chat on a daily basis. It must be very grounding for Catherine to be able to be absolutely herself not a princess, not royal just a loving sister talking to someone she can trust with her deepest feelings."
When Pippa accompanied her sister and niece Princess Charlotte at Wimbledon back in July, it was the latest clear indication that, much like the supportive role Princess Margaret played for Queen Elizabeth II and the position Annabel Elliot plays in Queen Camilla's life, Pippa will be there for Catherine through thick and thin.
Indeed, this is true of the entire Middleton family, Jennie says. "The Middletons have been a huge credit to the Royal family. By maintaining a dignified, low profile, they have brought no drama into the Royal circle and that's something King Charles will be very grateful for."
