Kate Middleton has been spotted breaking royal protocol in a very fun way as she interacted with the general public earlier today (2 July).
But first and more importantly, it comes as the Princess of Wales, 43, gave an update on her cancer journey during a public appearance at Colchester Hospital today.
She planted 'Catherine’s Rose' to support cancer recovery and spent time in the wellbeing garden, marking her first public appearance since she missed Royal Ascot last month.
Kate first revealed her diagnosis and announced she had begun preventative chemotherapy in March of last year, before sharing that she was in remission in January of this year.
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Now, during today’s visit, the Princess opened up about the emotional and physical 'post‑treatment phase', sharing that the process has been 'really, really difficult'.
She explained: "You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.
"You're not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you're not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to," Kate continued.
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"And actually, someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is really valuable."
Kate candidly added: "You have to find your new normal and that takes time... and it's a rollercoaster, it's not smooth, like you expect it to be. But the reality is you go through hard times."
During her appearance in Colchester, Kate kept in high spirits as she met with fans and hospital workers.
She also continued to break the ‘no selfies’ rule that the Royal Family traditionally maintained.
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This is something that she and Prince William have done for some time now, effectively replacing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s strict no picture stance with a much more willing approach.
Kate and Will have been seen out and about on numerous occasions embracing the crowds and posing for endless selfies with their adoring supporters.
And today was of course no different, as Kate made sure to give her time to meet and pose with well-wishers, even in the rain.
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Why the change of heart, you may be wondering?
Well, according to the Royal Editor of The Express Emily Ferguson, the move is simply an ‘attempt to make the Royal Family more relatable’ and get Gen Z more on board with supporting the monarchy.
She explained: “His readiness to appear in snaps and share selfie-style video messages to his social media platforms shows the prince is embracing the new TikTok generation who prefer visual storytelling.
Adding: “William knows all too well that there is a sharp generational divide in support for the monarchy, with young people much less inclined to support it.
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"Sources have made no secret of the future king's desire to win over Gen Z and even younger people, and perhaps his newfound love of selfies is his attempt to do just that."
Topics: Kate Middleton, Royal Family, Cancer, Health, Gen Z
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Madison Burgess