Kate Middleton Is Living in a ‘Royal Goldfish Bowl’ as She Returns to Work

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Even before she married Prince William in 2011, Kate Middleton has been in the spotlight — it’s just part of being in the royal family. But lately, more eyes have been on her ever before as she’s battled cancer over the past year, and it seems like people are paying even more attention as the Princess of Wales returns to work now that she’s in remission. There’s just one problem: That’s a lot of pressure for her to be under right now, according to what royal experts have told Us Weekly.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen a lot more of Kate than we have in recent months, from her visit to a children’s hospice to meeting with care workers and patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she received cancer treatment. And as she continues to make these public appearances, a royal source says that “all eyes are on Kate.”

“Part of the issue is she’s so popular and gets so much attention,” the source said. “It’s like any royal event she attends has a halo around it and goes well, so the public wants as much of her as possible.”

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the outlet that although Kate’s getting “enormous support and public sympathy,” receiving so much attention could be stressful for her — or anyone in that situation, honestly.

“Nothing alters the pressure in the ‘royal goldfish bowl’ of the world’s most high-profile monarchy,” he added.

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To manage the stress, Kate will likely continue a gradual return to work and may choose to ease back in slowly. One insider told Us Weekly that she’ll be working remotely more to keep her in-person appearances to a manageable minimum.

Some of the pressure she’s under may be coming from King Charles, who needs Will and Kate to carry more of the load as he fights his own cancer battle.

“Knowing that Catherine is available, supporting William and also supporting the monarchy, is, I think, really important to him right now,” royal expert Ed Owens said. “He knows the institution is only as strong as the personalities that front it.”

But she won’t be pressured into taking on too much at once, if Prince William has anything to say about it. Another royal expert, Marlene Koenig, said: “William has always been fiercely protective of [Kate], and if anyone is going to slow her down, it’s going to be William telling her to take it easy. He knows it’s a marathon, not a sprint. And the longevity of her role as the Princess of Wales is most important.”

Here’s hoping that Kate continues to feel stronger and healthier — and that she remembers to take it easy. It’s been so good to see her out and about again, but her health is what’s most important!