The year 2024 was an unexpected and trying year for Princess Kate. Her world was understandably turned upside down when she was diagnosed with cancer. But according to sources in a new article published in People, she emerged with a new focus on family and a “different” outlook on life.

The 42-year-old crown princess announced in March that she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer and has made only a few public appearances since then as she recovers from chemotherapy; in September, the princess announced that she had completed treatment and would take on work when she felt ready. [A royal source told “People” of Princess Kate's battle with the disease: “She's a different person now. She's a different person now.”

Another source told the magazine that the royal, who “has not fully recovered,” is “rightly focusing on herself and her family right now” and will not be “rushing” back to a full duty schedule.

However, Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth, revealed that “every time we see her, she is getting better and better.”

While the princess kept a low profile this year, she was out and about frequently in the fall, visiting families affected by the tragic knife attack and meeting in October with Liz Hutton, a teenage cancer patient who sadly passed away in late November, to share a touching story. She also attended two Remembrance Day events in November, participated in a state visit to Qatar, and enjoyed Christmas carols with her family at the Together at Christmas concert

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However, despite the recent increase in royal business, sources say that he still cannot expect a return to a life of normalcy. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People, “She will probably continue to be strategic about the frequency of her public appearances.”

The author added that Kate “keeps her own pace” and “pursues what she feels passionate about.” One royal source agreed, telling the magazine, “She won't be back to work in the same way for a long time.”

In September, a source told The Times that Prince Charles (who himself is battling cancer this year) “fully supports” Princess Kate returning to her duties of her own volition. That source added, “The public knows and understands that Princess Kate has a long road ahead of her to recovery.”