Kate Middleton raised the eyebrows of royal watchers after missing a key royal event alongside Prince William. The Princess of Wales opted out of attending the royal family’s annual diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace, leading one royal expert to wonder if everything is “back to normal” as her cancer recovery continues.

No reason was given for Kate Middleton to skip royal reception

Kate Middleton was noticeably absent from a diplomatic reception held at Buckingham Palace. Her husband Prince William, King Charles, and Camilla, Queen Consort were in attendance.

Thus far, Kate has only missed the event once. That was in 2014 due to a visit to New York City.

The palace gave no reason for Kate Middleton’s absence. However, a royal expert believes Kate is charting a course back to the royal frontline on her terms, not the palace’s.

Per GB News, Robert Hardman believes Kate will continue a slow and steady return to public work. He claims this is deliberate on the heels of nine months where the princess battled and was treated for cancer.

“There will be a gradual scaling up of her activities in the new year, perhaps with some office-based engagements relating to her early years work,” Hardman explains. “The palace will be keen to manage expectations. If she did start returning to major social events, that would lead people to think things are back to normal, which isn’t the case.”

Hardman concludes, “So I think there’s no pressure on her to do that.” What does an official palace statement say, if anything, about Kate missing the yearly diplomatic event?

Buckingham Palace releases statement, noting Kate Middleton’s absence at the event

The royal family’s official Instagram page noted Kate Middleton’s absence at the glitzy, white-tie event. But it didn’t address the reason she didn’t attend.

A quartet of photos featured King Charles, Camilla, Queen Consort, and Prince William. The men were dressed in white tie while Camilla debuted an aquamarine tiara, being made by Garrard in 1957 to match a set of earrings and necklace gifted to the Queen by the people of Brazil for her coronation in 1953.

The caption to the series of photos read, “Last night the king, the queen, and the Prince of Wales welcomed guests from the diplomatic community to Buckingham Palace for the annual Diplomatic Corps Reception. There are more than 170 High Commissioners and Ambassadors based in London at any given time, and each one has an audience with the king shortly after taking up his or her role.”

Will Kate Middleton be a part of any other royal event in 2024?

Kate Middleton’s next major engagement is expected to be her Together at Christmas concert in December 2024. The Princess of Wales will host the fourth annual carol service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6, 2024.

Kate continues a tradition she originated in December 2021. It thanked those who stepped up for their respective communities after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This year’s festivities will reflect upon the themes of love and empathy. It piggybacks on Kate’s reflection on a difficult 2024.

In a September statement announcing her chemotherapy ended Kate shared, “Life as you know it can change in an instant. We have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”

After the carol service, Kate Middleton will likely walk alongside Prince William and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to church on Christmas Day.