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Royal fans were delighted to get a fresh glimpse into Princess Kate’s world on August 13, when the beloved future queen shared a sunny new Instagram update hinting at her family’s recent adventures. “Summer is the season for abundance. Just as the flowers bloom and the fruits ripen, we too are reminded of our own potential for growth,” she says in the narration for the video, which features idyllic shots of people hiking, gardening, swimming and simply enjoying nature with others. “Our lives flourish when we cherish the bonds of love and friendship, so open your hearts, sing, dance, play,” she continues. “The days are still long, so simply love and be loved.” In a caption, she told her followers, “It has never been more important to appreciate the value of one another, and of Mother Nature. Here’s to Summer.”
The heartfelt voiceover, paired with her personal message, simply signed “C,” seemed to nod to relaxed days spent making memories with her husband, Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. It was a subtle reminder that Kate is reentering the royal spotlight at her own pace, with family time and her health taking precedence.
Kate’s post came just weeks after her joyful appearance at Wimbledon. On July 12, the princess, 43, attended the ladies’ singles final and was visibly humbled by a standing ovation as she took her seat in the Royal Box. The following afternoon, she returned with William, also 43, George and Charlotte, to watch the men’s finals together — a deliberate choice, says a source, “to blend her royal duties with family time.” The warm, relaxed images from Centre Court echoed the tone of her Instagram message and reflected a royal calendar shaped around togetherness.
Prioritizing family-friendly moments is something Kate plans to do more of as she continues to navigate her new normal, which now includes a move out of Adelaide Cottage and into Forest Lodge, their forever home. In January, the mom of three revealed that her cancer is in remission. This summer has given her the chance to reset and recalibrate — now, she’s figuring out how to balance tending to her royal role with motherhood and taking care of herself.
“Kate’s outlook has changed, and her priorities have shifted,” says a source. “[She’s] emphasizing her family and her well-being over [intense] duties.” It’s a decision that Kate and William made together. They’ve established limits on what they will and will not do to protect their mental health and home life, says a second source. “While they take their responsibilities very seriously, they are not afraid to say no when necessary.”
Slow and Steady
It’s become clear that Kate is pacing herself. Since kicking off the summer season with a June 14 appearance at Trooping the Colour, she’s joined William for a handful of subsequent events, including the Order of the Garter service on June 16 and French president Emmanuel Macron’s state visit on July 8, but opted out of a few others. (She skipped the Royal Ascot on June 11 despite appearing on a list of attendees, as well as a July charity polo match.) “Kate knows visibility is crucial for maintaining the monarchy’s profile, but she doesn’t need to be at everything,” says the source. “She’s [being more] intentional.”
During a stop at Colchester Hospital on July 2, Kate spoke about the challenges she’s been facing since completing her cancer treatment. “Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult,” she confessed. The source says chemotherapy took “an emotional and physical toll” on Kate, and the effects have lingered. “Fatigue has been a big one, and she continues to deal with it in her recovery journey.”
She realizes her health is key and defers to her medical team. “Kate listens to her advisers, but ultimately it’s up to her doctors. They guide her decisions,” says the source, noting that it’s essential for her to keep her stress levels down. Adds royal expert Marlene Koenig: “The Princess of Wales knows finding the right balance is the norm for a recovering patient. She may be in remission, but it takes time to return to what life was like before.”
A New Cause
It’s quality over quantity when it comes to how she approaches her royal duties, says royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams. Kate has historically focused on early childhood when it comes to her patronages — an area she’s called her “life’s work” — and Fitzwilliams says she’ll surely make cancer causes a future priority.
In January, she made an emotional return to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she had received chemotherapy. (“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she wrote in an Instagram post alongside photos of her visiting with patients and staff members.) “Kate enjoys speaking to others who have been through what she has,” says the source. “It’s important for her to connect with others. It’s therapeutic for her, and she wants to bring as much awareness as possible.”
Family First
To paraphrase an old saying, home is where her heart is. According to the source, the family of five has been spending much of their summer at their country estate, Anmer Hall. “They have an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court, where they indulge their love for sports,” reveals Koenig. “William and Catherine have been reportedly having dinner at different restaurants and pubs in the Norfolk area, and they and the children attend fun fairs and other events privately, without press intrusion,” she adds, noting that locals “respect their privacy.”
They also enjoyed a July family getaway to the Greek island of Kefalonia, where they stayed on a yacht and explored caves and beaches. “The kids were eager to go on an adventure,” says the source, explaining they chose Kefalonia because of its serene, private setting. “It was just what Kate needed — a family-focused trip to help her recovery and emotional well-being,” says the source. (Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, joined them.) “William just wants her to be happy and rested. It was a great way to achieve that and have everyone together.”
The source says Kate is happiest doing “normal family things” with William and the kids. “She prefers that over being in a ballgown, but she understands she has to do that, too.” She and William have protected the children from Kate’s health issues as much as they can. “The kids understand a bit of what Kate has been through, but she doesn’t want to put too much stress on them, so she doesn’t go into much detail,” shares the source. “They know she had cancer and she is in remission.”
William remains her rock. “He’s cut down on his work engagements to be more present over the past year and a half,” notes royal commentator Kristen Meinzer. “He’s always there for support,” adds the source. As for talk of a reconciliation between the couple and Prince Harry — who reportedly agreed to share his official schedule with his estranged dad, King Charles, in an effort to reconnect — the source says there’s a chance they could mend fences, “but it will take time.”
Looking Ahead
Kate and her family will likely enjoy some downtime at Balmoral — the royals’ picturesque property in Scotland — with Charles and Queen Camilla before the kids head back to school. (There’s speculation George will attend William’s alma mater, Eton College. Koenig tells Us George and his parents “have visited several schools.”)
In the past, royal engagements have been planned out at least six months in advance, explains Koenig, but Kate and William “are doing things differently” in light of Kate’s circumstances.
“Royal aides and event planners often receive short notice days in advance. Due to Kate’s day-to-day health assessments, there can be last-minute decisions,” says the source.
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There are some high-profile events on the horizon, but no word yet on whether Kate will attend. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, are scheduled for a state visit with Charles at Windsor Castle on September 17, and the 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony will be held on November 5 in Brazil. However, Koenig tells Us it’s “unlikely that fall plans will be announced until after the Balmoral break.”
Kate isn’t feeling pressure to push herself. “She will take things as they come,” says Fitzwilliams, “based on doctors’ advice and how she’s feeling.” The source adds that Kate “isn’t focused on keeping up appearances. She’s focused on her recovery.” She also values this time before William eventually takes the throne as king. “Once that happens, things will change,” notes the source. “So they’re getting in as much family time as possible.”
For more on Kate, watch the exclusive video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.
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