Kate Middleton Wants Public to Know She Is ‘Back’ After Cancer Treatment, Former Royal Butler Says

Princess Kate Middleton is back to work after she completed cancer treatment, and former royal butler Paul Burrell believes she wants everyone to know she’s here to stay.

Ahead of Kate’s appearance at her Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, December 6, Phil said that she was “really looking forward” to the event. “Her first solo engagements of the year, her Carol concert at Westminster Abbey is becoming her event. She’s truly making her mark at this event. It’s as important to her as [Prince William]’s Earth Shot prize is to him,” Phil explained on behalf of Slingo. “This is her opportunity to not only raise money and awareness for her charities, but to front an event and use her platform by herself.”

While Kate, 42, was involved in Qatar’s recent state visit, Phil – who served as butler to the late Princess Diana – explained that the Christmas service was “different” for her. “This is totally by herself, although William will be beside her, this is her premier event of the year,” he said. “So what it says is, ‘I’m back.’”

According to Phil, Kate takes her role as a member of the royal family “seriously” and she’s ready to let everyone know she’s committed to doing the best work possible. “It’s such a strong mark of this year, and says, ‘I’m back. I’m here, look at me, I’m doing fine,’” Phil said. “This is really the beginning of the Renaissance for her next year.”

While the event was not about William, 42, Phil said that it was important for William to show support for his wife. “This is William’s opportunity to show everyone that she’s strong, he’s strong, and they’re together, and they are a solid unit,” the former butler explained. “A picture’s worth 1000 words, and I think it’s going to show everyone that he cares because he’s supporting her on this day, the most important day of her calendar.”

The latest event comes eight months after Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in March after she underwent a major abdominal surgery in January. She kept a low-profile amid her health scare, though revealed she had completed chemotherapy in September and has slowly returned to work.

Prior to the Christmas Carol Service – which Kate and William attended with their kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 – she released a Christmas message that discussed the importance of love.

Phil said that the message was personal for Kate. “Christmas is about reflection, and it’s about the year that has just passed, and giving thanks for the fact that you’re still here,” he explained. “In Westminster Abbey, she’s [going to be] doing the same. She’s thinking, ‘Well, I’m still here. I’m still here for William and our love is as strong as ever.’”

Additionally, he said that “William wants people to know that he’s 100 percent behind his wife and that he totally supports her.”

“It’s the strongest message they could give to the Carol concert in Westminster Abbey, they’re projecting their love to the world,” Phil concluded. “I can’t wait to see it personally. I think it’ll be an absolute triumph.”