Royal fans got a sweet peek into Princess Kate’s world on August 13. The future queen shared a cheerful update on Instagram, hinting at her family’s recent adventures. "Summer is the season of plenty," a video narration began. It showed lovely scenes of people hiking, gardening, swimming, and simply enjoying nature together. "As flowers bloom and fruits ripen, we too are reminded of our own potential for growth," the voice continued. "Our lives blossom when we value the ties of love and friendship, so open your hearts, sing, dance, play. The days are still long, so simply love and be loved." In her own caption, signed simply "C," Kate told her followers, "It has never been more important to appreciate the value of one another and Mother Nature. Here’s to summer."
That heartfelt message, along with her personal note, seemed to recall the peaceful days she spent making memories with her husband, Prince William, and their three kids: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. It was a gentle sign that Kate is returning to her royal duties at her own pace, putting family time and her health first.
Kate’s Instagram post came just weeks after her happy appearance at Wimbledon. On July 12, the 43-year-old princess attended the women’s singles final. She looked visibly touched by the standing ovation she received when she took her seat in the royal box. The next afternoon, she returned with William, also 43, and their children, George and Charlotte. They watched the men’s final together. A source shared that this was a deliberate choice. It allowed Kate to "balance her royal duties with family time." The warm, relaxed pictures from Centre Court mirrored her Instagram message. They showed a royal schedule focused on togetherness.
Putting family moments first is something Kate plans to do even more. She continues to get used to her new normal. This now includes moving from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge, their permanent home. In January, the mom of three shared that her cancer is in remission. This summer has given her a chance to reset and find her balance. She is now figuring out how to manage her royal role, motherhood, and self-care.
"Kate’s outlook has changed, and her priorities have shifted," a source stated. She is "prioritizing her family and well-being over [intense] responsibilities." This is a decision Kate and William made together. They have set boundaries on what they will and won’t do. This protects their mental health and family life, a second source explained. "While they take their responsibilities very seriously, they are not afraid to say no when needed."
Slow and Steady
It’s clear that Kate is setting her own schedule. She kicked off summer with an appearance on June 14 at Trooping the Colour. After that, she joined William at several events. These included the Order of the Garter service on June 16 and French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit on July 8. However, she skipped others. She wasn’t at Royal Ascot on June 11, even though she was listed to attend. She also missed a charity polo match in July. "Kate knows that being seen is key to keeping the monarchy’s profile high, but she doesn’t need to be at everything," the source noted. "She’s being more thoughtful about her choices."
During a visit to Colchester Hospital on July 2, Kate spoke about the challenges since her cancer treatment ended. "Treatment finishes, and then I think, ‘I can carry on, go back to normal,’ but actually, the after-phase is really, really hard," she admitted. The source confirmed that chemotherapy took "an emotional and physical toll" on Kate. Those effects have lingered. "Fatigue has been a big factor, and she is still facing it as she recovers."
She understands that her health is most important and listens to her medical team. "Kate hears her advisors, but ultimately the decision rests with her doctors," the source said. They guide her choices, and keeping her stress levels low is key. Royal expert Marlene Koenig added, "The Princess of Wales knows that finding the right balance is normal for someone recovering. She may be in remission, but it takes time to get back to how life was before."
A New Cause
When it comes to her royal duties, Kate is focusing on quality over quantity. This is what royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes. Kate has always cared about early childhood through her charities. She calls this her "life’s work." Fitzwilliams added that she will surely make cancer causes a priority in the future.
In January, she made an emotional visit back to London’s Royal Marsden Hospital. This is where she had received chemotherapy. "As anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis knows, getting used to a new normal takes time," she wrote in an Instagram post. She shared photos from her visits with patients and staff. "Kate likes to talk to others who have been through what she has," the source said. "Connecting with others is important for her. It’s healing for her, and she wants to raise as much awareness as possible."
Family First
As they say, home is where the heart is. The family of five has spent much of the summer at their country estate, Anmer Hall, according to the source. "They have an outdoor pool and a tennis court, where they let their love for sports shine," Koenig revealed. "William and Catherine have reportedly dined at different restaurants and pubs in the Norfolk area. Both they and the children privately attend fairs and other events, without the press around." Koenig also mentioned that locals "respect their privacy."
They also enjoyed a family trip in July to the Greek island of Kefalonia. There, they stayed on a yacht and explored caves and beaches. "The kids were excited to go on an adventure," the source said. They chose Kefalonia for its calm and private setting. "It was just what Kate needed: a family-focused trip to help her recovery and emotional well-being," the source shared. Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, joined them. "William only wants her to be happy and rested. It was a great way to achieve that and bring everyone together."
The source said Kate is happiest doing "normal family things" with William and the children. "She prefers that over wearing a ball gown, but she understands she must do that too." Both she and William have protected the children from Kate’s health issues as much as possible. "The children understand a little bit about what Kate has been through, but she doesn’t want to put too much pressure on them, so she doesn’t go into a lot of detail," the source explained. "They know she had cancer and is in remission."
William remains her biggest supporter. "He has cut down his work commitments to be more present over the past year and a half," noted royal commentator Kristen Meinzer. "He is always there to support her," the source added. As for rumors of Prince Harry making up with the couple — Harry reportedly agreed to share his official schedule with his estranged father, King Charles, as a way to reconnect — the source stated that reconciliation is possible, "but it will take time."
Looking Ahead
Kate and her family will likely enjoy a few restful days at Balmoral. This is the beautiful royal property in Scotland. They will be there with King Charles and Queen Camilla before the children go back to school. There’s talk that George might attend Eton College, William’s old school. Koenig shared that George and his parents "have visited several schools."
In the past, royal engagements were planned at least six months ahead. But Kate and William "are doing things differently" given the current situation, Koenig explained.
"Royal advisors and event organizers often only get notice a few days beforehand," a source pointed out. "Because of daily assessments of Kate’s health, last-minute decisions can be made."
Some big events are coming up. However, there’s no news yet on whether Kate will attend. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, have a state visit planned with Charles at Windsor Castle on September 17. The 2025 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony will be held in Brazil on November 5. Still, Koenig says that "autumn plans are unlikely to be announced until after the Balmoral holidays."
Kate feels no pressure to push herself. "She will take things as they come," Fitzwilliams stated, "based on doctors’ advice and how she feels." The source added that Kate "is not focused on keeping up appearances. She’s focused on her recovery." She also values this time greatly before William eventually takes the throne. "Once that happens, things will change," the source noted. "So they are making the most of their family time."