Kate Middleton Joins Prince William amid Her Cancer Recovery to Help Welcome Amir of Qatar

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middletonis making a rare public appearance as she recovers from hercancer treatmentas she andPrince Williamhelped welcome special visitors to the U.K.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 42, kicked off a day of royal pageantry when they were tasked with being the first royals to meet the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, early on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

They then accompanied the couple to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome, including a greeting fromKing Charles. Missing from that early event in the visit wasQueen Camilla, who has been struggling with lingering after effects of achest infection. Because of this, she was being spared being out in the cold on doctors' advice. The Queen will, however, be at the lunch that follows, and will also take part in the viewing of the gifts afterwards, thepalace said on the eve of the visit.

Princess Kate greets Sheikha Jawaher, wife of the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on behalf of King Charles, in London on Dec. 3, 2024.AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty

AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty

Charles was driven from Buckingham Palace down the Mall, which was decorated, as is tradition, with the flags of both the U.K. and Qatar. When King Charles' royal limousine pulled up at Horse Guards Parade it was heralded with the national anthem, “God Save The King.” Prince William and Princess Kate then arrived with the guests from Qatar at around 12:10 p.m. U.K. time.

Mina Kim-WPA Pool/Getty

Soon after she and William stepped onto the platform, she curtsied to her father-in-law Charles, 76, before she and William were taken along the greeting line. Charles then took the Amir to the center of the pavilion for the playing of the national anthems, and the Prince and Princess of Wales took their place alongside the party.

The Prince and PRincess of Wales (center) with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher on behalf of King Charles on Dec. 3, 2024.AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty

The visit continued with a lunch and a viewing of treasures from the Royal Collection that are relevant to Qatar.

Princess Kate and Prince William at their meeting with the Qatar guests on Dec. 3, 2024.AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty

On Tuesday evening, a high point of the two-day visit is set to take place with a banquet at Buckingham Palace. Kate is not attending this year due to her ongoing recuperation. Camilla, 77, meanwhile is set to pose for photos at the dinner, retire for a bit and then rejoin the dinner.

The Princess of Wales has been out of the royal spotlight for much of 2024 after announcing in March that she was undergoingtreatment for cancer. In her Sept. 9 announcement that she had completed chemotherapy, Kate described it as a “relief” to have completed the treatment.

Princess Kate joined the royals for her first set of major ceremonial events after sharing that she completed chemotherapy earlier this month, stepping out for the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall on Nov. 9 and the Cenotaph Service at the war memorial on Remembrance Sunday, Nov. 10.

It is the start of a busy week for the royals. After the state visit ends, attention moves towards the holidays. On Dec. 6, Kate, along with William (and hopefully the couple’s childrenPrince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6!), will hosther annualTogether at Christmascarol serviceat Westminster Abbey.

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Catherine, Princess of Wales, (C-L) and Prince William, Prince of Wales, (C-R) during a ceremonial welcome for the Amir of the State of Qatar at Horse Guards parade during day one of The Amir of the State of Qatar’s visit to the United Kingdom on Dec. 3, 2024 in London, England.Leon Neal/Getty

Leon Neal/Getty

She added, “It also gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness — so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about.”

source: people.com