Kensington Palace’s Latest Kate Middleton Announcement Reveals a Major Shift for the Princess

While you and I are chugging through house chores and catching up on Severance this weekend, Kate Middleton and Prince William are packing their bags. In a recent announcement from Kensington Palace, the Prince and Princess of Wales are heading west for an official joint trip to Pontypridd, Wales on February 26.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

According to Marie Claire, the palace sent out a press release on Thursday, February 20 announcing the upcoming trip ahead of the Welsh national holiday St. David’s Day (March 1) which celebrates the life of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales—think parades, festivals, traditional Welsh food and people dressed up as daffodils (the national symbol of Wales). In addition to engaging in general merriment, William and Kate will reportedly “spend time with members of the local community” and meet with residents affected by the flash floods that occurred late last year.

Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images

While a trip to their namesake country is certainly exciting, it’s not the main story here. Kate spent most of 2024 out of the public eye, focusing on her health after announcing she was diagnosed with cancer back in March. Though she attended a handful of classic royal events, like Wimbledon and Trooping the Colour, the Princess of Wales kept a low profile until finishing chemotherapy this past September. Ever since, the palace has stayed tight-lipped on sharing public appearances, with any news of her royal duties under strict embargo—meaning news outlets like us can’t share the information until a specified date. Some of her appearances, including recent outings to The Royal Marsden hospital and a Holocaust memorial ceremony, weren’t announced at all.

WPA Pool/Pool/Getty Images

Sharing news of this upcoming trip marks a major shift in the palace’s stance on Kate’s royal duties, and it may even give the public some insight into how she’s recovering. Royal historian Jessica Storoschuk tells Marie Claire, “Understandably, [the palace has] been hesitant in the last year to confirm any engagements should they need to adapt, but this is a clear step forward. William and Catherine’s announcement of their upcoming trip to Wales without a press embargo is certainly signaling a new chapter for the couple, as it shows their confidence that they will not need to cancel or postpone due to health issues.”