In recent months, Princess Kate’s gradual return to royal engagements has brought joy to her admirers. Back in September, the Princess of Wales shared that she had completed preventative chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer. Despite this positive update, royal enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn that Kate is unlikely to don a tiara this year.
Speculation had been high that Princess Kate would wear a tiara at December’s state banquet. The event, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, is set to honor the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani. However, recent confirmation from the Palace revealed that Kate would not attend the banquet, opting instead to meet the royal visitors during daytime engagements.
Princess Kate’s thoughtful approach to balancing health and royal engagements
Although this decision rules out a tiara moment during the state visit, Princess Kate will still participate in the carriage procession to Buckingham Palace, accompanying King Charles, Queen Camilla, and her husband, Prince William. Royal historian Jessica Storoschuk previously discussed Kate’s potential attendance at the banquet with Marie Claire’s Kristin Contino.
Storoschuk noted that, as the wife of the heir and an active senior royal, Kate would likely attend if her health permitted. However, following her diagnosis, Kate has shifted her focus toward her children and has scaled back some of her official responsibilities.
On November 19, the Princess of Wales missed Buckingham Palace’s Diplomatic Corps Reception for the first time in ten years. Addressing her reduced public appearances, royal expert Robert Hardman told Hello! that the Palace is managing expectations carefully.
He explained that a full return to high-profile events might create the impression that everything has returned to normal, which is not yet the case. Hardman added that there is no pressure on Kate to rush back into such commitments.
