‘She was really seriously ill’

Kate Middleton’s cancer battle has sent her “to hell and back” according to well-placed insiders, who claim that she’s “fortunate” to have survived it at all.

Since announcing in January that her cancer is in remission, the beloved royal has been making a gradual return to public-facing duties.

Still, the Princess of Wales, 43, is “fortunate to be even speaking of recovery,” a source told the Daily Mail.

As the princess continues to prioritize her health, insiders claim that her recovery is “a work in progress” — and add that her entire health battle has given her “mental clarity” with regards to her priorities.

While the mom of three underwent cancer treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital, she was initially admitted into the London Clinic for a planned abdominal surgery in January 2024.

While there, a “port” was surgically fitted to administer the chemo treatment, the outlet reports.

“I can say that, from what I understand, she is fortunate to even be speaking of recovery,” the Daily Mail’s royal correspondent Rebecca English wrote.

A source told the outlet, “On some levels I actually think this is a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo.”

“As anyone who has been through that experience will tell you, you can feel very unwell for a long time afterwards. It can take years [to recover],” the insider added.

Princess Catherine had spent much of 2024 behind closed doors as she prioritized treatment and recovery.

Her absence from the public eye prompted mass speculation about her whereabouts last year, all of which was silenced with news of her cancer diagnosis.

Looking ahead, Middleton is rumored to attend the Wimbledon tennis championships next month before joining a “meet and greet” for a French state visit at Windsor Castle on July 8.

Following that, it’s believed that the princess and her family will retreat to Anmer Hall, a 19th-century country house located on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England.

While there, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, plan to enjoy a range of countryside activities, including cycling and sailing.

In August, it’s said that the Waleses will journey to Balmoral to join King Charles and Queen Camilla for their annual summer gathering.

The stunning castle was a known favorite residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who kick-started the annual tradition of vacationing there during her reign.

There, the royals enjoy picturesque walks in the Scottish Highlands, as well as family cookouts, horse-riding and board games.

Charles was keen to continue his late mother’s tradition, with Prince William’s family joining in on the fun in the last two years.

Other senior members of the Firm are expected to join in on the fun, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of York, as well as Zara and Mike Tindall.

A notable absence has been the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their two children, who have not visited the beloved royal residence together.

It comes as Princess Catherine pulled out of attending Royal Ascot at the eleventh hour, raising fresh concerns about her health as she continues to recover from cancer.

The princess’s last-minute withdrawal from the event suggests she is carefully managing her public appearances after announcing that her cancer was in remission in January.