As Kate Middleton continues her cancer treatment, the Princess of Wales has emphasized her need for privacy. However, speculation is still swirling about when she’ll get the green light to return to her royal duties. Early reports suggested she was staying involved in cherished projects like the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s Shaping Us campaign, even as she focuses on her health. Still, it looks like her full return to public engagements, even in private, isn’t on the horizon just yet.
“This is a clear commitment she has made that throughout her life of public service that this will be focus. That will continue when she returns to work,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson told the Daily Mail on Monday. “But we have been really clear that she needs the space and the privacy to recover right now. She will return to work when she has had the green light from doctors,” the spokesperson added, clarifying that Middleton is still on medical leave and not actively engaging in any of her normal workload as she focuses on health.
Even during this challenging time, Middleton’s initiatives are making headway. On Tuesday, May 21, “some of the most significant businesses in Britain” joined forces for “a major early years rallying call,” urging business leaders to support early childhood development. Christian Guy, the executive director of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, remarked, “This is another crucial moment for Her Royal Highness’s early childhood work. Its impact, and the work of her Centre for Early Childhood, is rolling on as she recovers,” per People.
Moreover, the Centre launched the “Prioritizing Early Childhood for a Happier, Healthier Society” report on Tuesday, which highlights how businesses can drive societal change by adopting family-friendly practices and investing in early childhood, potentially generating nearly $58 million for the U.K. economy. “The work of The Prince and Princess’ projects is ‘always on,’ and that has been no different for the Centre over the past five months with a great deal of progress being made under [Guy, the Center’s director]’s leadership,” the statement added. Middleton has been kept in the loop about the Center’s updates, but it seems like she won’t dive into her work until she gets the clear from her team of health professionals.
While it’s uncertain when she’ll fully return to royal duties, it’s clear that Kate Middleton’s dedication to early childhood development remains steadfast. Her eventual return, once approved by her doctors, will surely be a significant moment for her supporters and the causes she champions. In the meantime, here’s hoping she gets the privacy she deserves during her recovery.
Before you go, click here to see more of Kate Middleton’s best royal fashion moments. 
