A No-Show That Said Everything
In June, Kate made headlines for not showing up to Royal Ascot, a move that sent royal watchers (and the media) into a frenzy of speculation. Is she okay? Has the cancer returned? Is the palace hiding something?
Even royal aides, typically the unflappable soldiers of the Firm, were reportedly concerned. One source claimed Kate is “fortunate to even be speaking of recovery,” highlighting just how serious things had been behind palace doors. But according to Kensington Palace, the absence wasn’t anything ominous.
After attending two major royal events back-to-back, Kate simply needed some time to herself, to rest and take a break. And honestly, the fact that she chose to put her mental and physical health first instead of pushing forward and carrying on—good for her.
Even a future queen is allowed to say, “Actually, I’m tired. I need to rest.”
How She’s Healing: Roses, Acupuncture, and Saying No
During her Colchester visit, Kate revealed she’s been turning to acupuncture, a traditional Chinese therapy she also used during pregnancy, to help manage the physical and emotional aftermath of cancer. That admission might seem small, but it’s a reminder that healing isn’t just about prescriptions and hospital gowns—it’s about doing what works for your mind, body, and spirit.
She also helped plant a “Catherine’s Rose” to honor cancer patients, support staff, and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity—one of her longtime patronages. It was a symbolic gesture, but also deeply personal. It was a perfect example of how she chooses to use her limited energy these days—showing up where it counts.
In fact, making purposeful appearances has become her new focus. Kate is not returning to her usual routine. She’s choosing purposeful, meaningful appearances—like her support for Children’s Hospice Week—over routine royal duties. She’s no longer filling her calendar to satisfy tabloid headlines. She’s prioritising matters of health and heart.
The Bigger Message: You Don’t Just “Bounce Back”
This new and wiser post-cancer Kate is softer, and surprisingly candid. And it’s helping her to connect with people in a way few royals managed before. She’s no longer just the Duchess who looked dazzling at weddings and wore Alexander McQueen dresses like a second skin. She’s a woman who was forced to face her mortality, and who’s choosing to talk about the messy, unglamorous parts of surviving.
She’s showing us all that you don’t need to fake feeling okay. You don’t need to apologize for needing rest. And you definitely don’t owe the world a perfect comeback story. So next time she skips a public appearance, maybe instead of panicking, take a page out of her book and remember that recovery isn’t a performance, it’s a process. And Kate, it seems, is doing it her way.
