The Princess of Wales, Catherine, has maintained a low profile in recent months as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis.
Despite hopes to catch a glimpse of the royal at the Duke of Westminster’s wedding on Friday, Catherine was notably absent from the proceedings, showcasing remarkable strength and dedication to her health.
While the Princess was unable to attend, she played a pivotal role in assisting her husband, Prince William, with the preparations for the wedding, despite undergoing cancer treatment.
Prince William arrived at Chester Cathedral, the venue for the nuptials, blending in with the other groomsmen. He swiftly headed inside without greeting the media, maintaining a low profile as well.
Though Catherine’s absence was felt, her influence and meticulous planning were deeply embedded in the event’s success. Prince William, serving as an usher for his close friend Hugh, undoubtedly missed having his wife by his side. However, as he left the cathedral, he received words of support from a member of the public, acknowledging Catherine’s struggle with cancer.
From her home, Catherine provided invaluable assistance to Prince William, ensuring that every detail of the wedding reflected the couple’s personalities and the grandeur expected of such an occasion. Her involvement spanned several key areas, demonstrating her commitment to her role and her support for her husband and friends.
Speculation regarding Catherine’s attendance at the wedding had been ruled out months ago when it became public knowledge that she was battling cancer and would be out of the public eye for some time. While the royal mother of three remained at home in Windsor with her children, there was speculation about her son, George, potentially attending the wedding as Hugh’s godson. However, as today is a school day, George would be attending lessons at Lambert School along with his siblings.
In addition to missing the wedding, Catherine also won’t be present at the final dress rehearsal for the King’s birthday celebrations. As Colonel and chief of the Irish Guards, Kate would usually take the salute at the Colonel Review, taking place tomorrow at the Horse Guards Parade. Palace sources have confirmed that the princess is not expected to return to official duties until given the all-clear by doctors, and any appearances at royal events would be sporadic at best.
However, there is a possibility that Catherine may make an appearance at the official Trooping the Color ceremony on June 15th. Sources close to the princess suggest that she is considering appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony following the ceremony, provided she feels well enough. It has been six months since her last public appearance.
Kensington Palace surprised everyone in January by announcing that Prince William’s wife had undergone surgery on her abdomen. Though the operation was successful, her recovery was expected to take a minimum of two months. Unlike the monarch, whose entrance and exit from the clinic were documented, Catherine has remained invisible to all, prioritizing her health and well-being during this challenging time.