Kate ‘Struggling Behind Closed Doors’ Amid Cancer Battle—She’s ‘Not Back to Where She Was’

Recovery from any type of big illness is not a straight line, and cancer is one of the most complicated illnesses. It is well known that getting back to normal can sometimes take a long time. Kate Middleton has been taking her time with her recovery, balancing her return to public life with her desire to spend time with her kids, who are all growing and also need a present mother, particularly after what was surely a very scary time for them during her illness.

Now, come reports that Middleton is still “struggling” both emotionally and physically, despite being in remission. Middleton has stepped back from royal duties this summer, and this has reportedly been done with Prince William’s full support. “Behind closed doors, she’s still struggling emotionally and tires a lot more easily; it’s taking longer to readjust to royal life after her cancer treatment,” a palace insider claimed to RadarOnline.

“She’s still not back to where she was before her diagnosis, and she’s not sure she ever will be, which is why she’s told William she needs a decent break before term starts in September. She’s unofficially stepped back from royal duties this summer – and of course, William is wholly supportive,” the source explained.

Middleton has, indeed, been seen less this summer, though she hasn’t fully disappeared. Instead, the lighter summer schedule for Middleton has been deliberate, part of a plan “to gradually ease her back into working life.”

This all comes a few months after Middleton opened up about her cancer recovery in a candid conversation with patients and staff members of the NHS. In that talk, she was frank about how hard the time after remission was, saying, “You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment.” And then also adding about the moment after, “Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.”

“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,” she explained, sharing “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.”

Ironically, that’s exactly what’s going on now and what she’s having to adjust to. But there might be another complication. RadarOnline.com recently reported that there have also been concerns about Middleton’s weight. “Kate is painfully thin, and people are worried it’s a sign that she is struggling with her recovery from cancer treatment – or worse, she’s had a relapse,” a royal insider told the outlet, with the insider indicating Middleton weighs around 90 pounds.

“She’s been through so much, and she wants to be there for the royal family and do her part, but clearly she’s not well,” the source also said. “Word is she’s having a difficult time and has no appetite, and is losing weight as a result. She’s gaunt and has little to no muscle tone. Kate always had an athletic figure, but she’s far from it now.” It sounds like it’s a good thing she’s taking some time. Hopefully, it’ll help.