Catherine, The Princess of Wales, came back to work this week as a different version of the princess we previously knew. That she is changed – and her priorities upended by her cancer battle – is unsurprising. She is signalling that she has focussed in on events and causes that matter to her and plans to do things her own way moving forward.
Kate chose to publicize a private meeting with teenaged photographer Liz Hatton, 16, who has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that has left her with between six months and three years to live. The front-page photos on British newspapers today showed Kate hugging Liz, and posing alongside her family with William, after the teen had spent the day photographing investitures in Windsor at the invitation of Kensington Palace.
This outing was a big step forward for Kate in her return to duties. She has been fighting her own cancer battle since this past February, following abdominal surgery in January that uncovered the disease. She most recently announced via Instagram in September that she had completed her rounds of chemotherapy with a stylized video depicting her and William and their three children, voiced over by Kate outlining the effects cancer and its treatment and emotional costs had visited upon herself and the family of the heir to the throne.
Overall, it has been a difficult year for the Royal Family, with King Charles diagnosed with cancer as well. Charles has made a point of visiting cancer treatment centres as his own recovery progressed. Kate has chosen to focus on her own healing, and caring for her young family.
And yet, Kate has also endured a great deal of criticism this year. Her initial disappearance from the public eye was extended without explanation, and the press and public went ballistic. There were dodgy paparazzi photos of her leaving the palace with her mum; William cancelled an appearance at his godfather’s memorial service; and a crudely photoshopped U.K. Mother’s Day picture appeared in March, for which Kate took responsibility.
Then her video later the same month, a simple and direct to camera statement from the princess herself, announcing her cancer diagnosis and the beginning of treatment, shamed all the wagging tongues and shut the cacophony down for awhile.
The most remarkable thing about this year has been watching Kate slowly take charge of her own communications. She is slaying it. And now, she is taking charge of her own return to work. The private appearance this week with Liz Hutton was especially deft, as it directly addressed the issue of cancer and supported a young woman in her dreams. In a great and subtle and amusing plot twist, the photos taken by Hutton were under her copyright, so the papers using the images were credited to her, a bonus that meant the papers owed Hutton for their usage.
The photo of the hug Kate and Liz shared held so much more meaning that any words could express. She used her own areas of interest – photography, and encouraging/inspiring young people, plus a shared cancer experience – to send a clear message: Kate is back, and she is steering her own ship.
This new Catherine, Princess of Wales, is going to choose her moments. She is going to preserve her energy for her family first. She is going to protect the little bit of privacy she is afforded around her own health journey. Papers were quick to note her hair looked thicker, with new low lights taking her into the autumn from the blonde highlights she sported in summer. They noted her makeup was heavier, and her eyes smokier than before.
Kate is expected to appear at the Remembrance Sunday service, and her annual carol service – a marquee event for the Princess of Wales. But what she chooses to participate in publicly between now and then will be very telling.
All people who struggle with illness know they are being scrutinized more closely. It is what makes us fear going back out into public. But Kate, with her insistence on not being run around the rosy the way her life had been before she got sick, with all the duties and obligations and heavy calendar, is focusing attention on what she deems important, and what she feels she can do.
A fine self-care lesson for us all.
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