Kate Middleton’s Unexpected Work Engagement Following Her Chemo Treatment Holds Special Significance

It’s fitting that Kate Middleton’s first official engagement since completing her chemotherapy would be related to her key mission focused on early childhood development.

While her personal life revolves around being a present parent to Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, her public work centers on creating optimal conditions for parents, carers, and young children. Her spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE in 2023 that this mission will be a central theme throughout her career.

On September 9, 2024, Kate shared an emotional video revealing the end of her chemotherapy, expressing excitement about resuming public engagements. Though she has mostly worked from home, keeping up with important tasks and meetings, her first official engagement was recorded on September 17 in the Court Circular, marking her return. The entry simply stated that “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.” This was the first Court Circular entry of 2024.

This meeting was a notable step forward for Kate. Since announcing her cancer treatment in a March 22 video, she had only made two public appearances: supporting King Charles at Trooping the Colour in June and attending Wimbledon with Princess Charlotte and Pippa Middleton Matthews in July.

At Windsor Castle, Kate met with her key aides and the team from her Centre for Early Childhood, part of The Royal Foundation she shares with Prince William. This focus on early years has been a cornerstone of her work as a royal for over 13 years. The launch of her branch of the foundation in January 2023 was a significant achievement in her long-term commitment to the field. Her campaign, Shaping Us, has seen her travel across the U.K., engaging with mothers, babies, and students.

Kate’s reappearance in the Court Circular signals positive news about her recovery, though it does not imply a full return to a busy schedule just yet. In her September 9 video, she acknowledged that her path to full recovery remains lengthy, with a need to take each day as it comes. Prince William echoed this sentiment on September 10, noting that while Kate’s progress is promising, there is still a long road ahead.

Since early summer, Kate has been working from home, holding meetings with her senior staff, including her new private secretary Tom White, assistant private secretary Natalie Barrows, and communications chief Lee Thompson.

Kate hopes to attend the Remembrance Day service on November 10, shortly after Prince William’s return from Cape Town for the Earthshot Prize Awards. She is not accompanying him on that trip.

In addition to her engagement, Kensington Palace revealed that Prince William had a surprise visit to 22 Special Air Service Regiment in Hereford on September 17, according to the Court Circular.