The Princess of Wales made a stunning appearance at a state banquet at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, alongside Prince William as they welcomed guests for an official royal engagement. The event marked another significant public appearance for Kate Middleton following her successful cancer treatment and recovery.
Middleton arrived at the castle looking radiant, continuing her gradual return to full royal duties after announcing her cancer remission in January 2025. The princess had previously completed her cancer treatment in September 2024, following a diagnosis that came to light after major abdominal surgery earlier that year.
The state banquet appearance comes during a period of renewed visibility for the princess, who has been making carefully selected public appearances throughout 2025. Her presence at the September 17 event demonstrated her continued commitment to royal responsibilities while maintaining her focus on health and family priorities.
Recent months have seen Middleton embrace subtle style transformations, including a notable shift to lighter hair colors. In late August, she debuted a golden bronde shade during a quiet outing in Scotland, marking a departure from her traditional rich brown locks. Royal fashion experts described the change as one of the most dramatic hair transformations of her royal career.
The hair transformation continued into September, when she appeared at the Natural History Museum on September 4 with Prince William for their first joint official engagement since their summer break. The museum visit, where Kate serves as patron, involved learning about the attraction’s gardens and meeting children participating in educational programs focused on nature and biodiversity.
Throughout 2025, Middleton has maintained a measured approach to her return to public life. Her appearances have included significant royal events such as Trooping the Colour in June, marking her first participation in the King’s birthday parade since announcing her remission. The event held particular significance as she had never missed a Trooping the Colour in her 14-plus years as a working royal.
Royal biographer Robert Jobson indicated that the princess is approaching her return to duties thoughtfully, prioritizing proper recovery over public visibility. He noted that she is doing things slowly and when ready, rather than being governed by photo opportunities or public expectations.
The princess has also maintained her commitment to charitable work, hosting the fourth annual Together at Christmas caroling service at Westminster Abbey in December 2024. During that event, she made rare public comments about her challenging year, acknowledging to pop star Paloma Faith that she “didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had.”
Middleton’s approach to maintaining her signature polished appearance has reportedly remained refreshingly simple throughout her health journey. According to Anne Simmons, a former royal staffer who worked at Buckingham Palace for over a decade, the princess follows a five-step beauty routine consisting of cold water, argan oil application to hair ends, light moisturizer, quiet reflection time with tea, and minimal makeup application.
Other notable appearances in 2025 included a romantic trip to Scotland with Prince William in April to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary, marking her first overnight official work trip since her cancer diagnosis. The couple visited the remote Scottish Isle of Mull, staying in a private self-catered cottage while conducting official royal engagements supporting their Royal Foundation’s community refurbishment projects.
Royal experts have observed that Middleton’s health experience has influenced her perspective on royal duties and family life. Sources close to the royal family suggested that the experience has made both William and Kate more acutely aware of the importance of spending quality time with their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – while they can.
The princess has continued to make selective appearances at significant events, including a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2025, where she wore a butter-yellow wrap dress and her wedding earrings. Her measured return to full royal duties reflects her commitment to both her royal responsibilities and her family’s well-being following a challenging but ultimately successful health journey.
