Kate Middleton quietly returns to duty with surprise engagement at Windsor

Kate Middleton quietly resumed royal duties this week with a secret engagement at Windsor Castle, just days after unexpectedly pulling out of Royal Ascot.

The Princess of Wales, 43, joined Prince William for a private meeting with American philanthropist Melinda French Gates on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Court Circular. 

The meeting, held behind closed doors with no photographs released, took place in their capacity as patrons of the Royal Foundation.

French Gates, ex-wife of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, is the founder of Pivotal Ventures, a company focused on advancing women’s power and leadership. 

She is also a co-founder of the Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations.

Earlier that day, Prince William also hosted an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Kate’s discreet return to public-facing duties follows her absence from Royal Ascot last week. 

Though initially listed among the expected royal attendees, her name was quietly removed, prompting concern among royal watchers.

Sources close to the Princess stressed there’s no cause for alarm, and that the decision was part of her ongoing efforts to pace her return to work following her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Kate was last seen publicly at Garter Day earlier this month.

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