Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a graceful and long-awaited return to public duties as she attended the 2025 Royal Variety Performance in London on Monday night. The appearance marked her first time at the prestigious annual event since stepping back from royal engagements following her cancer diagnosis in 2024.
Prince William, the heir to the British throne, accompanied her at the star-studded charity gala, making this their sixth appearance at the historic fundraiser. The Royal Variety Performance supports the Royal Variety Charity, which provides financial aid to elderly and struggling entertainers across the UK.
Princess Kate’s Majestic Emerald Velvet Look Steals the Spotlight
For her grand comeback, Princess Kate opted for a striking and elegant ensemble from Talbot Runhof. The emerald velvet gown featured a sleek, body-hugging silhouette with a soft mermaid flare, perfectly complementing the festive winter setting.
The dress included a slightly deeper neckline than her usual choices, with cleverly folded velvet panels across the bodice that created the illusion of a matching shrug — though the design was entirely seamless.
Kate completed her look with:
- Forest-green Manolo Blahnik pumps
- A glittering Jenny Packham crystal mini clutch
- Queen Elizabeth II’s Greville diamond chandelier earrings
- A stunning diamond bangle bracelet
The accessories added a regal sparkle, enhancing her timeless elegance and signalling a confident return to the public eye. By her side, Prince William looked polished in a classic black tuxedo, smiling proudly throughout the evening.
Kate Middleton’s Resilient Return After Cancer Treatment
Princess Kate publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 and began undergoing chemotherapy soon after. The Princess chose not to disclose the type of cancer but remained deeply private during her treatment.
In January 2025, she announced that her cancer had entered remission, sharing on social media:
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery.”
In recent interviews, the 43-year-old admitted that her journey has been both physically and emotionally challenging. While determined to resume her responsibilities, she acknowledged that finding her “new normal” takes time — especially balancing recovery with her role as a mother of three.
Her return to the Royal Variety Performance marks an important moment not just for the monarchy, but also for admirers worldwide who have followed her health journey with unwavering support.
The past year has also been a difficult period for the royal family, with King Charles III and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, publicly sharing their own cancer diagnoses in 2024.
