The Diplomatic Corps Reception is one of the most glamorous events on the royal calendar, often seeing the Princess of Wales step out in stunning gowns and sparkling tiaras.

Until now, Catherine had only missed the event once, back in 2014, when she was in New York City.

This year, however, marks a significant personal transition for the 42-year-old royal, who has been recovering from cancer.

In January, doctors discovered cancer during a routine abdominal surgery, leading to several months of chemotherapy.

It wasn’t until September that Catherine shared the good news with the public in an emotional video, announcing that she was officially cancer-free and on the road to recovery. Despite this milestone, the princess remains in what she describes as a “liminal period” between her time off and a full return to royal engagements.

Although Catherine has already made appearances, including at the Remembrance Sunday service earlier this month, her decision to skip the Diplomatic Corps Reception suggests she is still taking a careful and deliberate approach to her comeback. According to a well-placed source within the palace, Catherine was spotted at Windsor Castle just hours before the reception, focusing on her dedication to early childhood development, one of her key charitable interests.

Palace sources indicate that Catherine’s choice to forgo the tiara event should be seen as part of her ongoing efforts to maintain a balanced approach to her health and responsibilities. The event, which would have required hours of preparation and makeup, may have simply been too much for Catherine at this stage of her recovery.