Kate Middleton's Return to Royal Duties May Take Longer Than Expected

And there's one major caveat that determines when we'll see the princess again.

Though a Kensington Palace spokesperson explained this week that Kate Middleton "is not expected to return to work until it's cleared by her medical team," royal fans received a glimmer of hope with the news that she is still working on projects and initiatives with her Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood. But new sources indicate that Middleton's return to royal life may take even longer than expected.

Royal reporterter Richard Eden shared new insights with The Daily Mail and revealed that the Princess of Wales' work with her taskforce does not hint at her coming back to her public facing duties any time soon. "It is certainly true that Catherine’s work with the Royal Foundation’s Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, and this latest report, is a sign of her dedication to the subject," he wrote. "But I believe we should read no more into it than that."

Related: Princess Kate is Continuing to Work on Royal Initiatives Amidst Cancer Treatment

Eden further revealed that his sources indicate a Middleton return has almost no chance of happening this summer. "We might not see Catherine again until the autumn – and only then if she has recovered fully," he added.

Shouldering additional responsibilities is not a priority for the princess at the moment—Middleton and Prince William were slated to appoint a CEO for Kensington Palace's recruitment firm, Odgers Berndtson, but the job position is still empty as Middleton continues to battle cancer.

"No one wants to put any pressure on Catherine," a source reportedly told Eden. "The only thing that matters at the moment is her getting better. She has been through an ordeal this year. What this means in practice is that big decisions, such as the appointment of new staff, can wait. It’s a reflection of Her Royal Highness’s importance to the future of the Monarchy that she has been given as much time as she needs."

Amid Middleton's lack of public appearances—unlike King Charles, who is still working while he receives cancer treatment—public unrest has continued, with #WhereIsKateMiddleton frequently trending on social media. Middleton's position in the monarchy is different, and explains why she hasn't soldiered on in the public eye.

"As Sovereign, His Majesty is in a very different position from the Princess of Wales," Eden's source added. "There is no need for her to be seen while she’s recovering."

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