Fans have long wondered when Kate Middleton, who is battling cancer, would return to public duties. While the Princess of Wales has hinted at attending several events this fall, including the annual Christmas carol concert, a former royal butler speculates about another event in the royal diary.

Paul Burrell, who served as Queen Elizabeth's footman and later as Princess Diana's butler, said there is one royal event that Princess Kate will probably not miss.

The Princess of Wales has appeared at the national memorial service in London every year since her marriage to Prince William in 2011, and Burrell, speaking on behalf of Slingo, said, “I think you will see [Kate] at the memorial in November, which is dedicated to those who have died in all conflicts.”

He added that it is “an occasion where she wants to go and people want to see her.”

A report in The Sunday Times earlier this month concurred with this assessment, noting that friends of the princess said it was “possible” that she would appear at a November event honoring British soldiers killed in action.

As for the rest of the fall, Burrell added that “there are not many opportunities now throughout the rest of the year, other than the diplomatic reception, a glittering dinner (spoiler alert: expect lots of tiaras) held at Buckingham Palace each December.”

Calling it “the biggest night of the year for the royal family,” Burrell said that “every room in Buckingham Palace will be used and every diplomat in London will be present.”

“It's a very big night,” the former butler said. She may show up on the occasion, but there won't be many other opportunities."

‘She'll have a lot of fun,’ he said.

The Princess of Wales attended two royal events this year during her cancer battle. Her last royal public appearance was in July when she attended the Wimbledon 2024 men's final, and before that she attended Trooping the Colour with the rest of the royal family in June.

On September 9, the princess released a video announcing that she had finished chemotherapy, but added that she would return to royal life when she felt ready.

“Although her chemotherapy has ended, the road to healing and full recovery is long and she must take it one day at a time. That said, I look forward to getting back to work and making a few more public appearances in the coming months, if at all possible.”

One such appointment was the aforementioned royal carol: the princess held a planning meeting for the event on September 24.

As for her next appearance, no one knows when the princess will be ready to take part in another public event, but until then, watch this space.