Kate, Princess of Wales, is reportedly considering a return to public-facing duties amid her ongoing cancer treatment.
The 42-year-old was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year – and made her diagnosis public back in March.
Princess Kate ‘torn’ over return to public duties
According to Closer magazine, the Princess of Wales is “torn” over whether or not she should return to royal engagements.
It comes amid reports that she could make an appearance at Trooping of the Colour if she’s well enough.
Speaking to Closer magazine, a source said: “Kate’s feeling incredibly torn and while she knows she needs to take time out of the spotlight to focus on her health and be with her family, there’s a part of her that feels as if she should get back to her public duties – even if it’s just for the occasional appearance.”
The source then claimed that Kate has been “touched” by the support she’s received since her cancer diagnosis.
However, she reportedly feels “guilty” and “pressured” into “giving back” to the public, who have been so supportive.
Princess Kate keen on public duty return
The source continued, claiming that whilst Kate is enjoying the time she’s spending with her family, a part of her “relies” on her royal duties for her “mental health” and “wellbeing”.
However, Prince William is reportedly keen for her not to rush back into working life just yet.
“William has urged her not to rush back and to ensure she takes all the time she needs to rest and recover – insisting she might regret it if she does and even doing occasional appearances could tire her out,” the source then claimed.
“While Kate understands William’s concerns and is eager to follow his advice, part of her worries that the longer she stays out of the limelight, people will get used to other royals stepping up in her place,” they then added.
However, William has assured her “that will never happen”. He has also told his wife that when she does return to public duties, “the public reaction will exceed all her expectations”.
ED! has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
New Kate portrait slammed
In other Kate-related news, a new portrait of the Princess of Wales was revealed last month.
The portrait depicts Kate at the first state banquet of the King’s reign in 2022. In the portrait, Kate is facing forward wearing a regal Jenny Packham floor-length dress.
The portrait, which was painted by British-Zambian artist Hannah Uzor – which can be seen here – was used on the cover of Tatler Magazine’s July issue.
However, the reaction has been less than positive.
“What a terrible terrible portrait of the Princess of Wales!!!” one royal fan tweeted.
“What a horrible portrait for a beautiful woman,” another grumbled. “This is not resembling her at all,” a third moaned.
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