Kate Middleton Makes First Public Outing Since Completing Chemotherapy

Kate Middleton has made her first public appearance since announcing the completion of her chemotherapy.

The Princess of Wales, 42, was spotted attending a service with her husband Prince William and other members of the royal family at Crathie Kirk Church near Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Sunday, Sept. 22.

In photos published by the U.K. newspaper The Sun, Kate flashed a brief smile as she sat in the passenger seat of a car beside William, 42, who was driving the vehicle.

The princess wore a dark green wide-brimmed hat with feathers on the side and a brown tartan checked coat, while William wore a dark suit for the occasion. King Charles and Queen Camilla were also photographed making their way to the church in separate cars.

Her attendance at church marks Kate’s first appearance since announcing earlier this month that she finished her chemotherapy treatment, which she first revealed she was undergoing in March, at the same time as she shared her cancer diagnosis.

In an emotional video message posted on Sept. 9, Kate shared that she had completed her cancer treatment as she was filmed with Prince William and their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. 

The princess said it was a “relief” to have finished treatment, continuing in the clip, “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… 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.”

Kate said she is “doing what I can to stay cancer-free” and that she will return to work “in the coming months when I can.”

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On Sept. 17, it was reported that the princess had indeed returned to work. According to the Court Circular, the official record of the Royal family’s activities, Kate met with her Centre for Early Childhood team members and the Kensington Palace staff at Windsor Castle about her early years childhood project, per The Telegraph.

The event entry read, per the outlet, “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.”

Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ church visit in Scotland comes after Prince William was seen at an event in Aberdeen, Scotland on Sept. 19 where he met people working to end homelessness in the area.