Catherine, Princess of Wales, during her return to public life on July 8, 2025. She was present at a ceremonial welcome to French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, at Windsor Castle. It was the first day of a three-day state visit to Britain by the French leader and his wife. Beyond that, it served to highlight the close diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Joining Catherine at the ceremony were Prince William, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla, all of whom welcomed the Macrons with warmth and cordiality. This particular appearance was notable as it came just weeks after Catherine returned home early from the Royal Ascot races in June 2025. It represents her slow but steady return to public life following her courageous fight with cancer.
In March 2024, Catherine went public with her cancer diagnosis. While that was a courageous personal decision, it meant she remained largely out of the public eye for almost all of last year as she received chemotherapy treatment. In January 2025, she announced that she was in remission, and that she would gradually start resuming royal responsibilities.
Looking back on her experience in treatment, she recounted the process of recovery as a “roller coaster.” In an honest, open conversation with patients and staff at Colchester Hospital, she shared her story feet-first.
“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism, through treatment. Treatment’s done, and it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal again,’ but actually, that phase afterwards is a really difficult time,” – Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Catherine’s dress for the ceremonial welcome went far beyond mere elegance, layering in significant symbolism. She finished off her glamorous look with a matching hat made by Jess Collett. To finish off her look, she accessorized with earrings that were previously owned by late Princess Diana. She wore the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection of pearl necklaces. This decision seamlessly connected her family’s history with this celebratory, historic event.
In her testimony, Catherine was equal parts grace and grit, much like the perseverance that has defined her last few months. She acknowledged the challenges faced during her recovery, stating, “You’re not able to function normally at home as you were perhaps once used to.”
As the parent of three kids, it’s likely that as a busy royal-non-royal-mom-Catherine has learned to juggle her responsibilities and roles. Though returning slowly to her public role in the royal family, her devotion to public service is unwavering.
