Kate Middleton shows 'calm determination' in first public outing since cancer update

Royal fans have been overjoyed to see Princess Kate out and about once more - and one expert says her expression of 'calm determination' is telling.

The Princess of Wales attended service at Crathie Kirk Church in Balmoral on Sunday alongside her husband Prince William, 42, King Charles and Queen Camilla, marking her first public appearance since her poignant cancer update.

Mum-of-three Kate, who recently announced that she'd finished her chemotherapy treatment, was photographed looking smart and composed in the passenger seat of a car driven by William, wearing a plumed khaki hat. In recent months, Kate, 42, has stepped back from her usual diary of royal duties to focus on her recovery but is now making a slow return to work.

Although this was only a fleeting glimpse of Kate, who has been greatly missed by fans, an expert believes these new photos shed some light on how the future Queen must be feeling as she continues on her path to healing.

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Speaking exclusively with the Mirror, body language expert Judi James shared: "This might just be a glimpse of Kate in the car but it's the familiarity of the look that appears reassuring in terms of her recovery status. The tweed hat with the feather is a favourite, suggesting a bit of a jaunty mood as she sets off to Balmoral that could reflect the optimism shown as she announced the end of her treatment.

"She and William keep their eyes on the road here but, even without a more formal type of smiling and waving, we can see how Kate is performing a subtle but authentic-looking smile that has an air of not just happiness but also calm determination. There is a dimple visible to show genuine happiness and a slight pursing of the lips to show firmness."

This comes as it emerges that Kate has held her first meeting at Windsor Castle since completing her chemotherapy, in what is regarded as a major milestone in her back-to-work plan. An entry for September 17, recorded in the official Court Circular of engagements undertaken by working royals, reads: "The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle."

It's believed this meeting would have been held to discuss Kate's Shaping Us campaign, which focuses on highlighting the importance of the formative years of a child's life. Kensington Palace has confirmed that this is the first noted mention of Kate working since she was first hospitalised in January for abdominal surgery.

Kate spent two weeks in hospital earlier this year before being discharged to continue her recovery at home. Weeks later, doctors diagnosed Kate with an unspecified type of cancer before she began a course of preventative chemotherapy.

In an unusually personal clip shared earlier this month, Kate and William could be seen enjoying themselves outdoors with children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Narrating the emotional video, Kate said: "Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.

"I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life."

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com. Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads

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