.png)
As Kate Middleton continues to recuperate from her "brutal" health fight this year, Kensington Palace maintains a hard position on the royal's agenda for the new year.
The Princess of Wales disclosed her cancer diagnosis in March of this year and finished her nine-month treatment in September. Kate made only a few appearances during this time, although she has recently begun to attend at large events.
While the Palace has expressed optimism over Kate's health, a royal expert stated that the future Queen's return to public royal engagements will be subject to tight rules going ahead.
"The royal households have been really clear that a return to public life by the Princess of Wales will be staggered," historian and royal biographer Gareth Russell told the BBC.
"It's a great reminder to all of us that a process of recovery can come in fits and starts," he said afterwards. "And also, that there'll be events that she can make and events that she can't, and that for anyone going through that kind of treatment, there'll be events that they might have to miss."
Russel stated that Kate, who is the mother of Prince William's three small children, will not attend gatherings on short notice. However, the author hopes "to see a long-term return to public duty" from the Princess of Wales.
The update follows the royal family's appearance at Norfolk's traditional Christmas Walk.
Kate and William were accompanied by their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, as they were welcomed with a warm welcome by spectators.
The Wales family also got Christmas presents as they cheerfully mingled with the waiting throng.
While there is still an air of ambiguity surrounding Kate’s future appearances, William suggested that his wife will be accompanying him to an overseas tour next year.
