The Princess of Wales is very regularly praised for her sense of style and elegance. She enjoys a status that seems to exempt her from any criticism of her clothing. But why?

She’s a fairytale princess. She’s stunning, with her Rapunzel-like hair (as a brunette), her toothpaste-ad smile, and her brightly colored, cheerful dresses. She’s also overcome major obstacles, like winning  Prince William ‘s heart , establishing herself in the royal family as a commoner, and even beating cancer. Kate Middleton is perfect. Perhaps a little too perfect? ​​The (very) few criticisms leveled against her focus precisely on her lack of edge, particularly when it comes to fashion.

I say “rare” because few dare to challenge this myth, even to comment on the shape of a coat or the veil on a hat. Kate is an icon who seems even more unshakeable than her predecessor,  her late mother-in-law, Lady Di , whose life and even death read like a blockbuster movie full of twists and turns. Except that Diana, rebellious as she eventually became with her famous black ” revenge dress “ after Prince Charles confirmed her infidelity on British television, or, earlier in their marriage, her sportswear outfits with cycling shorts and sweatshirts, came from within the royal circle. Born into a prominent noble family, she was chosen by the Windsors. Kate, on the other hand, remains a commoner who met William at university before marrying him for love. Moreover, fifteen years after their marriage, she is still called by her maiden name, Middleton, as if she had never really been drawn into royalty.

This “good student” image, which admittedly involves few fashion risks, doesn’t bother anyone; it brings her closer to the “common people,” the “real people” she was once a part of and whom she therefore understands better. Her impeccable performance, her sense of effort and control behind each appearance, is admirable. Since the announcement of her cancer remission, she seems even more self-assured. She no longer has her longtime stylist,  Natasha Archer,  by her side , who left to found her own consulting firm. Now, she chooses outfits on her own, always in an accessible, understandable style, appropriate to the events she attends and the people she meets. For example, she wore a gold dress for Donald Trump’s visit, who, ever modest, loves the color gold. To meet Emmanuel Macron, she wore an ensemble featuring blue, white, and red. And she never hesitates to wear the same outfit again months later.

It’s always tasteful, subtle, and very English. It’s also perfectly suited to her slender, elegant figure. Kate is untouchable because her style is based on an infallible formula: never take risks. The designer Vivienne Westwood, who herself always dared, criticized her for precisely that: “She projects the image of an ordinary woman with outfits that you can find in any store . ” Kate is also untouchable because times have changed, and the vicious British tabloid press, which committed serious offenses against Diana, has learned its lesson, and social media allows the princess to control her narrative. She’s the one who takes the photos of her family and makes them public, and she’s also the one who decided to stop naming the brands she wears so that people would stop focusing on her outfits rather than her causes—much to the chagrin of the brands in question, who until then could boast of selling astronomical quantities of every garment or accessory she wore in public. Kate is a modern princess who appeals to everyone, even those who love to hate her.

Madame FIGARO

The Princess of Wales has offered one of her most candid reflections yet on life after cancer treatment, speaking openly about the lasting physical and emotional impact of her health journey.

During a visit highlighted by HELLO!, Kate Middleton discussed the realities of recovery, explaining that the end of treatment does not necessarily mark a return to normal life. Instead, she suggested that the process of healing can continue long after medical interventions have concluded.

‘Cancer changes you in so many ways,’ the Princess said, offering a rare personal insight into the challenges faced by patients navigating life after treatment.

Her comments resonated with many cancer survivors who have spoken about the often-overlooked period between completing treatment and adapting to a new normal.

Recovery Can Be More Complex Than People Expect

Kate explained that while people may assume life quickly returns to normal after treatment ends, the reality can be very different.

‘You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,’ she said. ‘Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually [that’s not the case].’

The Princess described the adjustment period as a significant challenge, noting that patients are no longer under constant clinical supervision yet may still be dealing with the effects of illness and treatment.

The Emotional Toll Of Life After Treatment

In addition to the physical effects, Kate spoke about the emotional and psychological adjustments that can follow cancer treatment.

The Princess suggested that recovery is rarely a straightforward process and often involves navigating uncertainty while gradually rebuilding confidence and routine.

Health experts frequently note that cancer survivors may continue to experience fatigue, anxiety, emotional distress, and other long-term effects even after treatment has ended.

Kate’s comments align with experiences shared by many patients who describe recovery as a journey rather than a single milestone

Cancer Puts Life Into Perspective, Says Princess Kate

The Princess of Wales has offered one of her most candid reflections yet on life after cancer treatment, speaking openly about the lasting physical and emotional impact of her health journey.

During a visit highlighted by HELLO!, Kate Middleton discussed the realities of recovery, explaining that the end of treatment does not necessarily mark a return to normal life. Instead, she suggested that the process of healing can continue long after medical interventions have concluded.

‘Cancer changes you in so many ways,’ the Princess said, offering a rare personal insight into the challenges faced by patients navigating life after treatment.

Her comments resonated with many cancer survivors who have spoken about the often-overlooked period between completing treatment and adapting to a new normal.

Recovery Can Be More Complex Than People Expect

Kate explained that while people may assume life quickly returns to normal after treatment ends, the reality can be very different.

‘You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,’ she said. ‘Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually [that’s not the case].’

The Princess described the adjustment period as a significant challenge, noting that patients are no longer under constant clinical supervision yet may still be dealing with the effects of illness and treatment.

The Emotional Toll Of Life After Treatment

In addition to the physical effects, Kate spoke about the emotional and psychological adjustments that can follow cancer treatment.

The Princess suggested that recovery is rarely a straightforward process and often involves navigating uncertainty while gradually rebuilding confidence and routine.

Health experts frequently note that cancer survivors may continue to experience fatigue, anxiety, emotional distress, and other long-term effects even after treatment has ended.

Kate’s comments align with experiences shared by many patients who describe recovery as a journey rather than a single milestone.

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Cancer Puts Life Into Perspective, Says Princess Kate

The Princess of Wales expanded on the profound impact cancer can have on every aspect of a person’s life during a surprise visit to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, where she met patients currently undergoing treatment and spoke openly about her own recovery journey.

Kate, 44, who announced earlier this year that she is in remission following treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, spent time with patients and carers at the hospital’s Oak Road Treatment Centre. Throughout the visit, she reflected on how a cancer diagnosis can reshape priorities and alter a person’s outlook long after treatment has ended.

During one conversation, a patient explained the crucial role his wife had played throughout his illness, telling the Princess that he ‘couldn’t have done it without the support of my wife.’

Kate responded by acknowledging the often-overlooked impact on family members and carers.

‘I was just saying, it’s hard for the loved ones,’ she said.

The Princess went on to discuss the physical and emotional changes that accompany a cancer diagnosis and recovery, explaining how the experience can fundamentally alter a person’s relationship with themselves and the world around them.

‘You need to support yourself alongside all the things you can’t control. Your body changes so much, not just physically, emotionally, but the deeper side of ourselves.

‘It puts so much in perspective and you hold onto what’s important.’

The Christie, one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, provides care for more than 60,000 patients each year and serves approximately 3.2 million people across Greater Manchester and surrounding regions. The facility also offers a range of complementary services for patients and carers, including therapies designed to help manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges often associated with cancer treatment.

Later in the visit, Kate met former patient Neil Neaverson, who described how acupuncture had supported his recovery and wellbeing following treatment. The discussion prompted the Princess to reflect on the importance of personalised support and the different ways patients navigate life after a diagnosis.

‘Cancer diagnosis is deeply personal, being able to tailor it to the patient’s needs is fantastic and allows you to live a happy, healthy life beyond treatment and diagnosis. Cancer changes you in so many ways, emotionally and physiologically, too. It changes you in mind, body, and spirit.’

The conversation continued in the hospital’s art room, where the Princess met resident artist Patricia Mountford and joined a creative session with patients. Speaking about the role creativity can play during recovery, Kate highlighted the value of self-expression as individuals process the changes brought about by serious illness.

‘Finding ways, whatever they may be, to explore the change that cancer diagnosis brings and how that deeply personal journey.

‘Trying to understand that deep sense of self, creativity is such a wonderful way to explore that. Everyone’s cancer journey is so deeply personal.’

The remarks offered one of the clearest insights yet into Kate’s own experience with cancer and recovery, reinforcing her message that healing extends far beyond medical treatment and often involves emotional, psychological, and personal growth long after a patient leaves hospital care behind.

Continuing A Gradual Return To Public Duties

Kate has steadily increased her public engagements following her treatment while maintaining a measured approach to her return to official duties.

Her latest comments offer a reminder that recovery is an ongoing process, even for those whose treatment has formally ended.

By sharing her experiences, the Princess of Wales has contributed to a broader conversation about survivorship, resilience and the realities of living beyond cancer.

For many patients and families, her message was both simple and powerful: recovery does not end when treatment stops, and adapting to life afterwards can be one of the most challenging parts of the journey.

IBT

Kate Middleton found herself in an environment that would likely feel very familiar to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during the second day of her Italy visit.

The Princess of Wales, 44, spent the morning outdoors with preschoolers at Salvador Allende preschool in Reggio Emilia on Thursday, May 14, joining children for hands-on learning activities rooted in nature and play — the kind of adventurous, outdoor-focused environment she and Prince William have long encouraged for their own kids at home.

The outing is closely aligned with the princess’ long-running focus on early childhood development and the importance of children’s environments in shaping emotional well-being and learning.

Princess Kate has undertaken similar outings before, joining an outdoor lesson in England with William in 2023 and visiting a “Forest Kindergarten” during her 2022 visit to Denmark.

In photos taken during the outing on Thursday, Kate — wearing a blazer from Blazé Milano and a bracelet from Milan-based jewelry brand Atelier Molayem — could be seen laghing and

Kate has long been a proponent of children spending more time outdoors to promote their well-being. It’s also a role she takes seriously at home, where she gets her three kids outdoors, whether rain or shine. “Even a short amount of time — 10 to 15 minutes outside — makes a huge difference to both physical well-being but also to our mental well-being,” she said in a 2019 interview on CBBC’s Blue Peter.

The Princess of Wales’ solo trip to Italy marks her first work trip overseas since announcing her cancer diagnosis in 2024. She spent much of that year out of the public eye amid her treatment and recovery, and she returned to a fuller schedule of duties after announcing she was in remission in early 2025.

Princess Kate’s two-day visit to Reggio Emilia is seen as a fact-finding mission, and she will spend time digging into their internationally recognized approach to early childhood education. Seeing it as a “significant next step” for her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, Kate is spending time with educators, parents, children and civic and business leaders to see the work in action, according to her office at Kensington Palace.

“The Princess is very much looking forward to visiting Italy next week and seeing first-hand how the Reggio Emilia approach creates environments where nature and loving human relationships come together to support children’s development,” her spokesperson said in a statement ahead of the trip.

Her first day in Italy included a welcome from the mayor of Reggio Emilia in the town square, where hundreds of people lined up for a chance to catch a glimpse of the royal. Princess Kate was greeted with cheers of her name, signs and more — and she even spoke Italian with some of the children gathered.

The warm welcome was followed by a meeting with educators about their approach to early childhood development and a visit to Scuola Comunale d’infanzia Anna Frank, a preschool for children aged 3 to 6, to see the Reggio Emilia Approach in practice. There, she was bombarded with hugs and high fives from the young students.

Princess Kate launched The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021, bringing together research, collaboration and action to drive change in how society prioritizes the first years of a person’s life. The Shaping Us campaign, launched in January 2023, focuses on the vital impact of the first five years of life on adult development.

PEOPLE