The Royal Family are soon set to return to royal engagements for the first time in 2025 after what was previously one of their hardest years yet.
With both King Charles and Princess Kate having been diagnosed with cancer last year, Prince William said 2024 had been “brutal” for the family, especially with two of its most senior members having to step back to face such challenging health battles.
While Kate, 42, has now finished treatment and is set to continue a gradual return to work, the King is continuing his treatment this year as he continues to take part in as many royal engagements as he can.
Now, with the new year ahead, one royal expert has said that there is still one royal who will be a key player this year, regardless of whether they can attend as many engagements as they did before 2024 – Princess Kate.
Royal expert and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop told the Mirror: “That Britain’s fittest, full-time working royal described 2024 as ‘the hardest year of my life… its been brutal’ suggests 2025 is unlikely to open with a bang.”
She continued: “William did not mince his words in South Africa, as he flagged up a changed institution with ‘a smaller r in the royal’. Less clear is exactly how this downsized monarchy will present itself.
“Like it or not, Kate remains the shiniest jewel in the Windsors’ crown. Last year’s highlights were all hers: Trooping, Wimbledon, Armistice, Christmas at the Abbey. It is a lot of pressure for one woman.”
As she continues a gradual return to work, The Princess of Wales has delighted royal fans in each appearance she has made, with her latest outing being for the annual Christmas day walkabout at Sandringham.
Despite being out of the royal spotlight for some time, and carrying out just a total of 13 engagements last year as a result of her cancer diagnosis, Kate remains as popular as ever, as shown during the Christmas Day walkabout.
When meeting members of the public, Kate was handed numerous bouquets of flowers by well-wishers who spent time talking to the princess, who at one point joked she had “lost” her family as she was so far behind them as a result of talking to the crowds.
It was reported that Prince William and the couple’s three children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, were spotted waiting for Kate to finish her conversations before returning to Sandringham House for lunch.
It is not known when the princess will next be seen in public or at a royal engagement.
