ROYAL FAMILY NEWS:Kate Middleton’s Surprise Appearances Are a Strategic Move

ROYAL FAMILY NEWS:Kate Middleton’s Surprise Appearances Are a Strategic Move

Kate Middleton, whose surprise appearances are strategic, wears a red coat.
A former press secretary for Queen Elizabeth II has said how surprise appearances help Kate Middleton while her recovery continues.

Surprise, it’s Kate Middleton! The Princess of Wales, 42, has made a number of surprise appearances since completing cancer treatment at the end of the summer. Why? A former royal staffer says surprise appearances, as opposed to scheduled ones, can take some of the pressure off for Kate.

Kate Middleton has made multiple surprise appearances in 2024
Gone are the days of knowing Kate would be somewhere at a certain date and time. At least as she continues to recover after being diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in early 2024.

Instead, she shows up somewhat unexpectedly to events. Take, for instance, back in October 2024, when she joined Prince William, 42, in Southport, England, to meet with first responders. It was a surprise to see Kate there with her husband, the Prince of Wales.

Since then, Kate’s attended Remembrance Day events (her appearances were widely expected though), participated in a state visit, and hosted her annual Christmas carol concert.

Kate gets a certain level of ‘flexibility’ by making surprise appearances

Speaking to People, Queen Elizabeth II’s former press secretary Alisa Anderson explained what’s likely behind Kate’s surprise appearances. Simply put, “an unexpected visit gives her flexibility,” according to Anderson.

That means no heightened expectations if Kate doesn’t feel up to it by the time the event rolls around. “They can’t raise people’s expectations with lots of engagements only for her to face a setback, not feel well, and things are canceled,” Anderson explained.

So, there it is, the reason behind Kate’s surprise appearances. To be fair, Kate’s appearances haven’t all been entirely unexpected. Kensington Palace has, on occasion, confirmed her attendance at events a day or even hours before as she continues to ease back into full-time royal duties.