Kate Middleton has become one of the British royal family’s most important public figures, and a new royal assessment says that visibility now carries a serious weight.
In a new People cover story, royal author Catherine Mayer described the Princess of Wales as the family member “everyone wants to see.”
“Kate is the closest they have to a rockstar member these days,” Mayer said, adding that the attention is a “huge burden” for anyone, especially someone who has faced major health challenges.
The comment comes as Kate continues a careful return to public duties after announcing in January 2025 that she was in remission following cancer treatment.
Kate’s Public Return Has Put Her Back at the Center
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Kate has been increasingly visible in 2026, including appearances at Trooping the Colour and Royal Ascot. At King Charles’ official birthday parade on June 13, she rode in the carriage procession with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis before joining the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
People reported that the Trooping the Colour appearance came at a pivotal moment for the monarchy, with King Charles standing alongside Prince William, Kate and their children in a clear image of continuity. The outing also carried extra attention because Kate had made her first major public appearance after her cancer diagnosis at the same event in 2024.
On June 17, Kate returned to Royal Ascot with Prince William for the first time in three years. People reported that she arrived in the traditional carriage procession, greeted onlookers and responded to fans who called out compliments from the crowd.
The Attention Is Tied to Her Health Journey
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Kate announced in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing preventative chemotherapy. In September 2024, she said she had completed chemotherapy, and in January 2025 she said she was in remission.
People reported that her recent Italy trip was her first work trip overseas since her diagnosis, while her June 4 visit to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester focused on holistic care for people living with and beyond cancer.
During that Manchester visit, Kate met patients, families and staff, toured a wellbeing garden and visited an art session. ABC News reported that she also met young people receiving support through The Christie’s Teenage and Young Adult Unit.
Her Work Has Returned Alongside the Pageantry
Kate’s overseas work and cancer-center visit have kept her connected to causes she was already associated with before her diagnosis, including early childhood development and health-related support.
At the same time, her appearances at Trooping the Colour and Royal Ascot show why the royal family relies on her public presence. The events bring together the monarchy’s most recognizable family image: King Charles, William, Kate and the three Wales children.
The family is still operating with Prince Harry outside official royal life and Prince Andrew absent from frontline duties. Against that backdrop, Kate’s popularity remains one of the monarchy’s strongest public assets.