Kate Middleton and Prince William are facing mounting pressure from royal handlers to overhaul their schedules and step up their public duties, just months after the Princess of Wales bravely revealed her cancer battle.
According to royal expert Camilla Tominey, the couple is being urged to make a “full-fledged return” to royal life, despite still navigating the emotional and physical toll of Kate’s health journey. The calls to increase their presence come as whispers swirl within royal circles labeling the Princess a “part-time royal”—a term that has reportedly not sat well with palace insiders.
Kate’s recent appearance at the V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, East London, marked a significant moment in her re-entry into public engagements. Yet even this poised and powerful return has not silenced critics within The Firm, who feel the future Queen must resume a heavier workload.
Tominey claims aides believe that both William and Kate are not doing enough, especially as the monarchy faces a reduced roster of working royals. With King Charles also undergoing cancer treatment, the pressure on the younger generation has intensified. But the Waleses have reportedly resisted rushing back, choosing instead to prioritize health, family, and meaningful engagements over quantity.
Body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking to Betfair Casino, said Kate’s appearance at the V&A event demonstrated she’s anything but timid about her public role. Dressed in a striking blue suit, Stanton noted, “Kate looks super confident in this appearance. Blue is a colour of communication and calmness, so it’s clear Kate has shown a desire to take the lead and engage actively with those surrounding her.”
He added, “Throughout this visit, she carried herself with a lot of self-confidence and strength.”
Still, behind the scenes, royal advisors are pushing the couple to abandon their measured approach and return to a more traditional royal schedule. Critics argue that in times of royal crisis, visibility is key—and that the Prince and Princess of Wales must now shoulder more of the public burden.
The criticism hasn’t just come from staffers. Royal watchers and some media outlets have also questioned the couple’s reduced presence, especially when compared to other senior royals still undertaking regular duties despite personal health issues.
Yet supporters argue that Kate’s recent engagements—though fewer—have been rich in purpose. Her focus on early childhood development, mental health, and the arts signals a deep commitment to making a long-term difference. These appearances, though less frequent, seem designed to have lasting impact.
Read More: Palace Aides Furious as Prince William and Kate Middleton Defy Pressure to Work More
Sources close to the couple maintain that their strategy isn’t about laziness or neglect—it’s about balance. After the trauma of Kate’s cancer diagnosis, William and Kate have reportedly doubled down on protecting their children’s wellbeing, managing stress, and pacing themselves for the decades of service ahead.
The timing of this pressure is particularly striking. Kate has only recently begun appearing in public again after months of chemotherapy. Her London outing was her first solo engagement since returning from a family break. For many, it’s astonishing that palace insiders are already demanding a more aggressive return to duty.
There’s also speculation that the public still stands firmly behind the Princess. Her courage in speaking about her illness, combined with her graceful return, has only strengthened her popularity. Many believe that pushing her too hard, too soon, could backfire for the monarchy.
Meanwhile, Prince William has also been quietly holding down the fort. He led a major investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle this week and is expected to appear with Kate at the upcoming Trooping the Colour—a major royal event honoring King Charles’ official birthday.
The couple’s united front is clear, but so is their intention to do things on their own terms. The question now is whether palace aides will back off—or continue to clash with William and Kate’s modern, family-first approach to royal life.
With eyes fixed on the next chapter of the monarchy, the tension between tradition and transformation has never been more apparent.
