Why Kate Middleton can't wear a tiara despite major return to royal duty next week

The Princess of Wales is set to make a huge appearance next week in one of her biggest outings since completing chemotherapy treatment - but it seems unlikely that she will get to wear a sparkling tiara

The Princess of Wales is set to make a significant public appearance - one of her most high-profile since the end of her chemotherapy treatment.

It has been confirmed that Kate will play a role in the Emir of Qatar's state visit to the UK next week joining Prince William as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla for the big event. State visits to the UK nearly always feature a huge white tie banquet, where royal ladies get to wear a dazzling tiara. The last time Kate was seen in a glittering headpiece was last year when she took part in the 2023 Diplomatic Corps Reception at Buckingham Palace. But it seems royal fans will have to wait a little longer to see the princess wear a tiara again.

That's because despite taking part in the visit, it has been confirmed she will not attend the grand state banquet hosted by the King at Buckingham Palace in the evening, Kensington Palace said. The princess, 42, has made just a handful of public appearances so far in 2024 after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January and then was diagnosed with cancer.

However, she will join her husband William in greeting Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, at Kensington Palace on Tuesday (December 3).

William and Kate are then due to travel with the pair to Horse Guards Parade, where they will receive a ceremonial welcome before meeting the King and Queen. Presentations will be made, a royal salute will occur and the Qatari national anthem is set to be played. The Emir and Sheikha Jawaher will join Charles and Camilla and William and Kate in a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where they will be met by a second guard of honour.

Kate has been making a gradual return to royal duties since revealing her diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Last month, Kate made a surprise visit with her husband William to meet the bereaved families of the victims of the Southport attack. She also honoured the war dead at Remembrance events earlier this month.

In a video the princess released in September, she revealed she had finished her chemotherapy treatment, and spoke of how she was "looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months". But she added her focus was "doing what I can to stay cancer-free".

She is also expected to appear at Westminster Abbey later that week on Friday, December 6 for her annual Christmas Carol Concert, with planning for this year's event well underway. Last week it was revealed that Kate has invited child survivors of the Southport knife attack to her festive event. The princess has set her sights on being able to stage the Together At Christmas service in 2024 despite the health challenges she has faced in what the Prince of Wales described as a 'brutal' year.

The Palace said Kate wanted the theme of this year's carol service to celebrate those supporting others in need, with a focus on the importance of love and empathy. "The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities."

The Palace added: "This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive. This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy."