Kensington Palace issues major Princess Kate update on State Banquet attendance

Kensington Palace has revealed that the Princess of Wales will attend tonight's state banquet during French President Macron's three-day state visit to the UK. Last week, it was announced that the Princess, who continues to gradually return to royal duties following her cancer battle, would play a key role during the opening day of the state visit.

The Palace said that the Prince and Princess of Wales would meet President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron at RAF Northolt before travelling with them to Windsor, where they will receive a full ceremonial welcome from the King and Queen. The royal couple would also join the King and Queen and their guests for a carriage ride through Windsor.

However, Kensington Palace did not confirm whether Kate would attend the glittering state banquet later that evening. This was only confirmed by aides this afternoon.

The princess, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and confirmed she was free from the disease at the start of this year, last made an appearance at a grand royal dinner 20 months ago in November 2023 in honour of the South Korean president.

It comes after the Princess opened up about her "rollercoaster" cancer recovery, its life-changing impact and putting on a "brave face".

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 difficult."

The Princess continued: "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.

"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." She added: "You have to find your new normal and that takes time."

Last month, she pulled out of attending Royal Ascot with her husband at the last minute but has carried out engagements since. Last week she visited Colchester Hospital's Wellbeing Garden as well as holding audiences and meetings at Windsor Castle.