Princess of Wales Kate Middleton held a discreet but significant meeting at Windsor Castle this week, marking another step in her cautious return to public life amid her recovery from cancer. The meeting took place on Wednesday, just days after Kensington Palace confirmed that the future queen would not be attending Royal Ascot.
Her absence from the prestigious horse racing event’s second day, initially unexpected, had caused some confusion before the palace clarified the situation. According to a report by the Daily Mail, the Princess was “disappointed” not to be present at Ascot, but acknowledged the need to strike a careful balance between rest and her return to official duties.
“She has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements,” the source noted. Instead, Princess Kate conducted a private engagement at Windsor Castle, where she met with Melinda Gates, the philanthropist and former wife of Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
The meeting was not open to the public but was recorded in the official Court Circular, which serves as the formal record of royal engagements. Prince William also joined his wife for the high-level discussion, which took place under the auspices of the Royal Foundation—the primary philanthropic and charitable arm of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Foundation focuses on a range of issues, including mental health, early childhood development, and environmental sustainability. While details of the conversation between the royal couple and Melinda Gates remain under wraps, the engagement signals the Princess of Wales’s growing involvement in international philanthropy and policy discussions as she gradually resumes her duties.
This private meeting follows the couple’s recent public appearance at the Order of the Garter ceremony in Windsor, where they were seen smiling and engaged with fellow royals. The event was one of Kate’s few public appearances since confirming earlier this year that she is undergoing treatment for cancer and is currently in remission.
“A brilliant celebration of tradition, service, and duty. Thank you to everyone involved,” the couple said following the Garter Day event, expressing their appreciation for the ceremonial gathering.
Kate Middleton’s careful but deliberate return to royal engagements suggests a measured path forward, as she and Prince William continue to balance their family life with the growing responsibilities of their royal roles. With her health and recovery a top priority, each appearance is seen as a significant moment in the future queen’s public journey.