Kate Middleton attends moving public engagement at Windsor Castle for first time since 'completing' cancer treatment
The Princess of Wales resumed her royal duties and met with a young photographer whose 'creativity and strength' hugely inspired her
The Princess of Wales has undertaken her first public engagement since confirming that she has "completed" her treatment for cancer.
Just weeks after she took to social media to share the news that she had "completed" her treatment for cancer, the future Queen has returned to work. Following a private meeting in September that was recorded in the Court Circular, the future Queen met a talented young photographer on 2nd October. The meeting with Liz Hatton at Windsor Castle was an incredibly poignant one, with the BBC reporting that the sixteen-year-old is battling an aggressive form of cancer. Having a huge passion for photography, Liz had been given the opportunity to take photos of an investiture held at the royal residence earlier that day after Prince William had heard her story through his role as Patron of London Air Ambulance Charity.
Liz was then invited to meet with the Prince and Princess of Wales alongside her family after the investiture ceremony. Whilst the meeting was a private one, Kate and Prince William shared two special snaps from it on social media alongside a heartfelt personal message.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
Signed off with their now-traditional "C" and "W" initials, they expressed how "inspired" they’d been by Liz.
"A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today," they declared. "A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. ❤️ W&C".
Meeting the future King and Queen was also a treasured moment for the teenager, who reportedly later described herself on social media as "over the moon" that she and her family had this experience. She also dubbed Kate and Prince William as "lovely, genuine and kind people" and it’s been suggested that she has compiled a photography bucket list "to create a lifetime of memories" since being diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour in January.
For the Princess of Wales this meeting was likely especially moving in light of her own recent cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as the love of photography she shares with Liz. In March, Kate made her diagnosis public and explained that her main focus was "making a full recovery".
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Although she joined the King, Queen and other working royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour in June and attended the Wimbledon final in July, these were the only times she’s been glimpsed publicly since her diagnosis, as she paused her royal duties.
In the recent message shared in September alongside a video filmed by Will Warr, the Princess of Wales confirmed that she’d "completed" her treatment and was "looking forward to being back at work". She reflected that she would be undertaking "a few more public engagements" when she can over the coming months.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
Speculation had arisen that Kate could be set to attend the Remembrance Day service in November, though she seems to have already started easing gradually back into public-facing official duties from now. It’s not known when fans could next see the Princess undertaking a public, photographed engagement and it could possibly be this service at the Cenotaph.
Speaking in her video last month, Kate declared that she was entering her new "phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life". She also addressed those who are continuing with their own cancer journey with a comforting statement of compassion.
"To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey - I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light so let that light shine bright," she said.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Carole Middleton could enjoy ‘bright and bold’ family celebration after abandoning her relatable January tradition
Carole Middleton used to have a special January tradition but she's given it a miss before and it's possible she could do so again
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
You weren’t 'valuable as a woman’ if you weren’t ‘partnered up’, says Renée Zellweger as she reflects on changing attitudes
Renée Zellweger spoke about the enduring power of Bridget Jones and how society has changed over the past 25 years
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Kate Middleton's update on her cancer recovery in first personal message of 2025
The Princess of Wales shared a special message praising The Royal Marsden for their care and included a new update on her recovery
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton attends poignant first engagement of 2025 at hospital where she underwent cancer treatment
The Princess of Wales spoke of her 'quiet, private visits' during her treatment and wanted to express gratitude and raise awareness
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton looks radiant in laid-back jeans, shirt and blazer in momentous birthday photograph
The Princess of Wales's off-duty style is every bit as elegant as her formal-wear and her birthday photo outfit is so easy to recreate
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s 43rd birthday marked with heartfelt message from Prince William alongside new black-and-white photo
Prince William lovingly paid tribute to the Princess of Wales's 'remarkable' strength as he shared a touching birthday post
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton 'needs to make sure' George, Charlotte and Louis can 'deal' with 'looming' responsibility
A huge future lies ahead for the Wales family and a royal expert believes the Princess of Wales will be keen to 'prioritise' her family
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Meghan Markle embraces Kate Middleton’s royal hobby in new Netflix trailer - and you might not have noticed
Meghan Markle's new Netflix series will show her trying out one of the Royal Family's favourite but rarely-seen hobbies
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton has loved the Longchamp tote bag since the 2000s – and we’ve found the perfect lookalikes
For the woman on the go who doesn't want to choose between fashion and function, there's the Longchamp Tote (or these lookalikes!)
By Jack Slater Published
-
Looking for a Boxing Day saving with the royal stamp of approval? Kate Middleton’s favourite Jo Malone scent is now on sale
It's not too often one can snap up the Princess of Wales approved Jo Malone scent
By Jack Slater Published