'Huge Presence': Kate Middleton 'Brings the Star Power' at Royal Events, Praised for 'Class and Dignity' During Cancer Battle

Catherine, Princess of Wales, may not return to royal duties until 2025, but the cancer-stricken future queen still shines brightly in the British monarchy's cast.

"It is she alone, really, who brings the glamour and the star power," columnist Maureen Callahan told GBN's Nana Akua. "But also the dignity, the class, the way she's composed herself through this incredibly difficult time."

"I keep thinking about this announcement that was made very recently that Kate Middleton will probably not be making another public appearance this year," she added. "The Trooping of the Colour is coming up, Wimbledon is coming up, and she is such a huge presence at Wimbledon. These things prove how important Kate Middleton is not just to the monarchy but to the future of the monarchy."

The queen consort-in-waiting underwent a "serious" abdominal surgery on January 16, which led to traces of cancer cells being found allegedly near the area of the procedure. Her Royal Highness has been receiving preventative chemotherapy treatments in the wake of the discovery, which she revealed in an "emotional" video via BBC Studios on March 22.

Kate has not undertaken a public appearance since Christmas Day 2023.

"No pictures of have been seen of the princess out and about," Charles Rae told an outlet. "I'm surprised that with all the people who've got camera phones that we haven't seen her, but we have to accept that that she is out and about."

"She's with her family, but the palace is making it quite clear that this should not be confused with her returning to work any time soon," the royal commentator added. "There are even some suggestions that she won't return to work probably until the autumn. And there's one suggestion that may not even be till next year. So that's slightly worrying."

The Princess of Wales, who was previously the Duchess of Cambridge from 2011-2022, has long been hailed as the contemporary star of the royal family since Princess Diana's 1997 death. Before her health woes, she was frequently "stealing the show" at royal events in recent years.

"Since the King's accession, and with respect to him and the Queen, it may as well be all hail Princess Kate at royal events," a former palace insider spilled in June 2023. "She is sensational. Unlike her late mother-in-law and to a lesser degree, Meghan, Kate is dedicated to the Crown and her star shines for it — not against it," which was how it was before Diana and Charles split."

Kate, Princess of Wales, is recuperating at her and Prince William's country homes, Adelaide Cottage and Anmer Hall.

The Daily Beast reported on Kate's 2025 return.