Kate Middleton Returns to Royal Duties
Dressed in a soft beige pinstripe blazer over a crisp white blouse, paired with tailored brown trousers, Kate Middleton made a poised return to public life on July 2, 2025.
Her visit to Colchester Hospital’s RHS Wellbeing Garden in Essex marked a carefully planned step back into royal engagements after her cancer diagnosis the previous year.
A Sanctuary for Healing
The RHS Wellbeing Garden, created to offer patients a peaceful place to relax, first opened in July 2024 through a partnership with NHS Charities Together.
Kate and Prince William both serve as patrons for this organization, which supports projects benefiting NHS staff and patients.
During her visit, Kate took time to speak with hospital staff, volunteers, and patients, candidly sharing how recovery has not been as straightforward as she once believed.
Facing Post-Treatment Challenges
“You put on a sort of brave face, a sense of stoicism, through treatment,” Kate explained. Although her medical treatment has ended, she admitted that returning to daily routines is far from simple.
“You’re not necessarily part of the clinical team anymore, but you still can’t function as you used to at home,” she added.
Kate highlighted how important it is to have guidance in that transitional period.
“Someone to help talk you through that phase after treatment and show you the way is so valuable,” she reflected, acknowledging the emotional strain that can follow medical treatment.
Honoring Catherine’s Rose
While in the garden, Kate joined staff in planting several “Catherine’s Rose” blooms, a special pink rose variety developed by the Royal Horticultural Society in her honor.
People magazine reported that 50 of these roses were gifted to Colchester Hospital, while hundreds more will be sent to therapeutic gardens around the UK.
The proceeds from rose sales will go toward the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which supported Kate during her cancer journey.
These roses will help brighten gardens used by cancer patients, children receiving palliative care, and people living with spinal injuries.
Partnership with Garden Designers
Kate also met Adam Frost, a professional garden designer and horticulturist who played a key role in transforming the hospital’s outdoor area into a calm, green retreat.
Kate has long promoted nature as a way to support mental health and recovery.
Those close to her say spending time in gardens and green spaces has brought her moments of peace throughout the ups and downs of her treatment.
A Difficult Journey
Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis publicly in March 2024, later sharing through a video update in September that she had finished chemotherapy.
Speaking with honesty and composure, she described the experience as “complex, scary, and unpredictable,” affecting not only her but also her entire family.
She acknowledged that the diagnosis had brought sudden change and forced her to face her own vulnerability.
Family and Resilience
Kate reflected on what the ordeal had taught her and Prince William, saying it reminded them to appreciate “the simple yet important things in life… of simply loving and being loved.”
Although her chemotherapy treatments have ended, Kate emphasized that her recovery would be gradual.
She expressed a wish to resume public responsibilities carefully, balancing her health with her royal role.
Taking Things Slowly
Since finishing treatment, Kate has approached royal duties with caution. She notably missed the Royal Ascot on June 18, a decision seen as necessary to protect her well-being, even if disappointing to fans.
Nonetheless, she has remained active behind the scenes, attending a private meeting with Prince William and philanthropist Melinda French Gates at Windsor Castle on June 25.
Looking Ahead
Kate’s visit to Colchester Hospital marks a hopeful new chapter. By reconnecting with her advocacy for mental health and the healing power of nature, she signaled her commitment to serving others while still honoring her own healing process.
Through it all, the Princess of Wales continues to embody resilience and dedication, taking each step forward with care and courage as she returns to public life.
