Kensington Palace has just announced Kate Middleton's return to public life after several weeks of absence. As confirmed by the palace, the Princess of Wales will receive French President Emmanuel Macron. William's presence, as heir to the crown, was guaranteed, but not Kate's due to her recent withdrawal.
It is now confirmed that Middleton will accompany her husband in welcoming Macron at RAF Northolt and on to Windsor Castle. There, the President of France will stay with his wife Brigitte for the duration of their visit to the United Kingdom.
Kensington Palace confirms the latest on Kate Middleton
The United Kingdom is preparing for French President Emmanuel Macron to land in the country tomorrow, July 8. Kensington Palace is finalizing the details for this state visit, where Kate Middleton was the big question mark.
As confirmed by Kensington, Kate will accompany William during this very special day for the royal family. The Macrons are expected to arrive between July 8 and 10, an occasion that will bring several ceremonies in Windsor and London, respectively. Middleton will be a visible figure at the welcome at RAF Northolt, accompanying the Macrons during their transfer to Windsor Castle.
The ceremonial procession culminating in Windsor will include carriages, gun salutes, and the presence of the kings, the princes, and the French presidential couple. Kate's presence is undoubtedly what creates the most anticipation among the British media. Her absence at Ascot and subsequent withdrawal set off all the alarms about her health status.
It was said that Middleton needed a period of disconnection after an institutional agenda full of consecutive events with hardly any rest. For this reason, her presence at the reception for Macron was hanging by a thread. Now, Kensington clears all doubts and confirms that the Princess of Wales will be at Prince William's side.
What is still unknown is whether Kate will wear the royal tiara. It has been more than a year since the Duchess of Cambridge last wore a jewel of such magnitude and institutional importance. It was during a diplomatic tribute held at Buckingham Palace, on that occasion she showed the elegant Strathmore Rose tiara.
Kate Middleton ready to represent Kensington Palace again
Everything seems to indicate that Kate Middleton's temporary withdrawal was to prepare for the arrival of the Macrons. This state visit is one of the most important for the British monarchy and key for both countries. For this reason, Kensington has already organized days with enormous symbolic significance.
Just as symbolic will be Middleton's use of some of the most representative jewels of the British crown. It has been more than a year since we have seen Kate display the splendor of the royal family's history, and now is the time.
Since December 2023, the last time we saw her at an official dinner with a crown, Kate had kept a low profile, staying away from jewels. After her cancer diagnosis in 2024 and her subsequent success with treatment, her return to formal events has been carefully paced.
Wearing a tiara this time would represent a symbolic return for Kate, her first moment in more than a year with an imperial piece. Kensington Palace has several captivating options for this special night, but it has not yet been revealed which one Kate prefers, keeping the mystery about her choice.
In any case, media attention is guaranteed: every move, accessory, and gesture will make headlines across Europe for days. It marks Kate's return as Kensington's representative at a state visit.