Kate Middletontravelled to northern Italy on Wednesday forher first overseas engagement since being declared in remission from cancer, in a closely watched visit that insiders said she saw as a way of answering the 'sick backlash' over her early childhood work.
It has been just over a year since Kate revealed that she had undergone treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, including six months of chemotherapy in 2024. She largely stepped back from public life during that period and only recently began rebuilding a fuller royal schedule, with a strong emphasis on family, health and the causes she has made central to her role.
Kate, 44, and Prince William, 43, have been presenting a picture of stability and recovery in recent weeks. Last month they shared a new photograph to mark their15th wedding anniversary, posing with Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, Prince Louis, 8, and their spaniels Orla, 5, and Otto, 1. The image was widely read as a quiet statement that the family had weathered a difficult year.
Kate has also spoken about changes in her private life, including the decision to stop drinking alcohol. Friends have taken that as another sign that she is focused on long term health and on protecting the remission she worked hard to achieve.
Her trip toReggio Emiliain northern Italy was her first abroad since her diagnosis and brought together two important parts of her life, a personal milestone in recovery and the early years cause she has described as her life's work.
Away from the Westminster drama, there is some excitement in northern Italy as the Princess of Wales arrives for her first overseas visit since her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment.Video below. Story here:https://t.co/Z7R0yEjpsJpic.twitter.com/aoxThwvKCN
Those close to her said she was excited but realistic about the challenge. One insider toldheatthat Kate felt energised, stronger and eager to serve, and believed this would be the first of many trips. The same source said the demands of an official engagement would bring long hours and a heavy workload.
What she may not have expected was the tone of some early commentary. One report criticised her early years campaign, claimed that 'no one cares' about theRoyal Foundation Centre for Early Childhoodand suggested that she should pursue other causes instead. The columnist also argued that if she was well enough to resume public duties, she should be doing more for causes that matter to Britain.
People around the princess said that kind of language had stung, especially at such a sensitive point in her recovery. One source said the backlash had started before she had even left for Italy and was adding to her stress.
The same insider said questions over whether she should travel alone had hit a nerve because she did not want to be treated as fragile. She wanted to be seen as healthy and strong, they said, and expected to be treated that way.
Source: International Business Times UK
