Kate Middleton is taking her time to fully recover and adjust after a challenging year, a close friend of the Princess of Wales has revealed.

At 42, the beloved royal faced a major health battle after being diagnosed with cancer in March, undergoing chemotherapy as part of her treatment. In September, she joyfully announced she was cancer-free, but her return to royal duties remains measured.

“She is focused on herself and her family right now, rightly,” a palace insider told People, noting that while Kate is on the mend, she is “not back to normal” just yet.

Despite the slow pace, there’s optimism about her recovery. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” the source added. Another insider emphasized the importance of giving Kate the time and space she needs: “She has to get back on top of it. And she will if she is left alone to work it out for herself. She won’t be going back to work in the same way for a long time.”

Kate has largely stayed out of the public eye throughout 2024, prioritizing her health and family. Her absence earlier in the year led to widespread speculation about her whereabouts, silenced only by the news of her diagnosis.

Now, as she recovers, those close to her have noticed positive changes. Queen Elizabeth’s former press secretary Ailsa Anderson remarked that the princess is “looking better and better.”

Kate’s friends say her approach to her royal duties has shifted. “She is very much in control of her return to public life. She is doing what works best for her,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith shared.

Kate and Prince William have also reaffirmed their commitment to family above all else. “They’ve made it clear that family is the most important thing,” a source revealed. “You can’t go through something like that and come out the other side unchanged. She is a different person now.”

While Kate continues her recovery, the royal couple is also preparing for significant changes. With King Charles facing his own health challenges during cancer treatment, William has begun taking on more responsibilities.

“William and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they would have expected,” Bedell Smith explained, adding, “There’s a sense of calm before the storm. They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives, and of course, Kate’s health has taken priority, but it’s also allowed everyone to take a step back and figure out what’s important right now.”

Royal staff reportedly began drafting succession plans shortly after King Charles’ coronation in May 2023, underscoring the growing role William and Kate are set to play in the monarchy’s future.