The year 2025 has been one of profound transformation for the Princess of Wales, marking a powerful return to public life and royal duty following a gruelling battle with cancer. After what her husband, Prince William, described as the "hardest year" of their lives, Catherine has emerged with renewed confidence, stepping firmly into her role as a future queen. From announcing her remission to making a series of carefully orchestrated public appearances, her journey has captivated the nation and set the stage for an even more significant 2026.
A Year of Recovery and Re-emergence
The year began with a momentous and emotional announcement. In January, the Princess of Wales revealed she was in remission from cancer, sharing the news via a social media message where she spoke of adjusting to a "new normal" but looking forward to a "fulfilling year ahead." This crucial health update was delivered on the same day she visited the Royal Marsden hospital, where she had received chemotherapy, to thank medical staff and offer support to other patients.
This period followed weeks of intense speculation about her health, which royal historian Amanda Foreman characterised as the princess "staring down the abyss" of both a life-threatening illness and a brutal online "character assassination." Her gradual return to work was initially focused on her passion project, the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, where she launched campaigns and published a health framework to highlight the importance of the first five years of a child's life.
Stepping Back onto the World Stage
As her strength returned, so did Catherine's presence at the heart of national and diplomatic events. A key moment came in June when she returned to her full duties at Trooping the Colour, taking her place on the dais alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla—a powerful image signalling the monarchy was back on track. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond noted the significance of her position there as Colonel-in-Chief of the Irish Guards.
The princess played a leading role in three major state visits in 2025. The first, for French President Emmanuel Macron in October, saw her dazzle at a Windsor Castle banquet in a red caped gown by Sarah Burton for Givenchy and the Lover's Knot Tiara. Later in the year, during Donald Trump's state visit, the US President was reportedly mesmerised by Catherine, complimenting her as "so beautiful" and "radiant."
The most symbolically potent appearance came at the final state banquet of the year for German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Catherine wore Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara, a piece traditionally reserved for queens and future monarchs, in what royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith called a "historic and significant" moment. Royal author Catherine Mayer observed, "She looks like our idea of a future Queen."
Personal Moments and Family Focus
Amid the pomp, personal milestones and family life remained central. In April, the Waleses celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary during a two-day visit to the Isle of Mull, Catherine's first official overnight stay since her diagnosis. The couple posted a loved-up photo from the trip, with experts noting the adversity had brought them closer together. Royal biographer Catherine Mayer told PEOPLE the pair are showcased as "not just the future of the monarchy but its absolute heart."
The family also undertook a summer getaway to Kefalonia, Greece, aboard a luxurious yacht, and later in the year moved into their new 'forever home,' Forest Lodge, a £16 million mansion in Windsor Royal Park. The year was not without wider family turmoil, however, as the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew culminated in King Charles, with Prince William's support, stripping his brother of all official titles and honours in October.
Looking Ahead to a Monumental 2026
As Catherine hosted her fifth annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, experts were already looking ahead to a pivotal 2026 for the Princess of Wales. Major milestones include Prince George's expected move to boarding school and his continued introduction to royal duties. Furthermore, 2026 could see the Prince and Princess of Wales undertake their first joint overseas work tour since her cancer diagnosis, with an invitation to Australia already extended and rumours of a potential US trip.
Reflecting on Catherine's transformative year, Mayer told PEOPLE, "She is in this confident phase where she is able to define who she is, what she does and how much she does. In that sense, she's approaching her prime." Having stared down immense personal and public challenges, the Princess of Wales enters the new year more regal, assured, and ready than ever to embrace her future role.
