Princess Kate Middleton has been taking a break from public duties — save for this one low-key appearance.
Prince William was reportedly accompanied by his wife for a private meeting with Melinda French Gates at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, June 25, according to Hello! Magazine. This marked Kate’s first appearance since skipping the Royal Ascot earlier this month.
The report published on Thursday, June 26, claimed that the daily court circular — which details the royal family’s daily outings — shared insight from the meeting. William and Kate, both 43, “represented their Royal Foundation at the meeting, which focuses on areas including the early years and mental health,” the report read.
The meeting between the trio apparently occurred privately with no photos taken of the couple and French Gates, 60. Us Weekly has reached out to Kensington Palace for confirmation.
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Kate has been keeping a low profile as of late after pulling out of an appearance at the Royal Ascot on June 18. The Princess of Wales was set to attend alongside William, but an official list revealing which royal family members would be in the daily processional was quickly changed and Kate’s name was removed. (Kate’s mom, Carole Middleton, and sister-in-law Alizee Thevenet were in attendance.)
Two days later, Kate made a statement about Children’s Hospice Week, her first since the last-minute absence.
“No parent expects to hear that their child has a serious health condition that could shorten their life,” she said at the time. “Sadly, this is the reality faced by thousands of families across the country, leaving them heartbroken, fearful of the future and often desperately isolated. Being able to access the support of one of the U.K.’s 54 children’s hospices means they don’t have to face that future alone.”
Kate’s role as a Patron for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice gave her “the immense privilege” of seeing the hospitals’ work up close.
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“Lifting spirits through laughter, fun and play, as well as listening, holding, caring and sharing, they support children and families through life, death and beyond,” she continued. “This Children’s Hospice Week, I hope you will join me in celebrating the life changing work they do and thanking them for the vital care they provide to children and families experiencing the most challenging times.”
Kate has been taking it easy since announcing earlier this year that her cancer is in remission — and she may continue that way.
“Kate might be back, but she’s doing it sensibly, and on her own terms,” Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty, told Hello! earlier this week. “Her priorities have changed, and she’s listening to her body, instead of being a people pleaser.”
