Kate Middleton misses her early childhood foundation’s ‘milestone moment’ as she continues cancer recovery

Kate Middleton will remain out of the public eye as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.

The Princess of Wales has kept a low profile as she undergoes treatment but is said to have remained a “driving force” behind the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which released a major new report this week.

Middleton is understood to have read and been briefed on the document but did not attend the official launch in London, and royal officials say it could be some time before she is seen at public events again.

Stream the world’s best reality, entertainment and true-crime shows free on 7plus

“The princess is not expected to return to work until it’s cleared by her medical team,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson said.

Kate, wife of heir Prince William, announced in March she was having treatment after cancer was found following abdominal surgery she underwent at the start of the year.

“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” she said in a pre-recorded video.

“This of course came as a huge shock and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

Details about the type of cancer have not been disclosed but the palace did reveal the princess had been “moved” by the support shown to her by well-wishers.

Middleton established the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2023 to raise awareness about the importance of a child’s first five years of life.

The foundation’s new report says investing in early childhood could unlock at least £45 billion (AUD $86.8 billion) for the national economy.

Despite Kate’s absence, foundation executive director Christian Guy said the document was a “milestone moment”.

“Some of the most significant businesses in Britain have joined forces to deliver a major rallying call to their fellow business leaders to prioritise young children and those who care for them – for the good of our society and economy,” Guy said.