Princess Kate makes rare appearance; her brother gives health update

Princess Catherine has made her second public appearance since announcing she had finished chemotherapy, as her brother James gave new details about her health.

Prince William reveals Earthshot finalists

Princess Catherine made a rare public appearance, the second since she completed chemotherapy, as her brother provided an update on her health.

Catherine made a surprise trip to the English National Ballet’s matinee performance of Giselle at Sadler’s Wells on Thursday afternoon local time.

No photos have been shared of her trip to London but the princess posted a personal message on her social media pages expressing her gratitude for the show.

She said: “Congratulations and thank you to the English National Ballet and Sadler’s Wells for the wonderfully powerful, moving and inspiring performance of Akram Khan’s Giselle. Creativity at its best! C.”

Congratulations and thank you to @ENBallet and @Sadlers_Wells for the wonderfully powerful, moving and inspiring performance of Akram Khan’s Giselle. Creativity at its best! C pic.twitter.com/YbnMd7j9Pi

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 26, 2024

It marked Catherine’s second public appearance after revealing she had completed her course of chemotherapy, in a sign her health is improving.

Catherine was spotted on Sunday local time for the first time, on her way to Crathie Kirk Church near Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

The Princess of Wales sat in the passenger seat of a car while her husband, Prince William, drove.

The 42-year-old princess looked well and appeared to be wearing a khaki hat.

They joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at the small parish church.

Crathie Kirk Church is a regular place of worship for the royal family when they are in residence at the nearby Balmoral Castle.

In an intimate family video posted online, Princess Catherine revealed she had finished cancer treatment. Picture: Supplied

She also held a private meeting with aides and members of the Royal Foundation on Tuesday local time to plan her annual Christmas carol service, a week after holding her first one of the year. It’s anticipated Catherine will host this year’s service.

She is also expected to join senior royals for Remembrance Sunday events, but a decision is not expected until closer to the date.

Meanwhile James Middleton has given an update on sister Catherine’s health.

The father-of-one, 37, shared new details during an interview on USA Today to promote his new book, Meet Ella, about how his pet dog saved his life when he was depressed and suicidal.

“She’s doing OK,” he said.

“It’s not for me to share on her behalf, you know, how everything’s going. But she’s getting all the right support and focus that she needs. And like anything, it takes time to process.”

James Middleton, with sister Pippa at the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in 2023, has been open about how animals have aided his mental health. Picture: Getty Images

Lupo (and siblings) was a major part of the Wales’ life. Picture: Supplied

In a previous interview with Hello! Magazine, James revealed he gave Catherine a dog to help her and her family cope with her illness.

James, who has spoken about his own mental health challenges, has bred six litters, giving two puppies to Catherine – Lupo, from his dog Ella’s first litter, in 2011 sadly died at the age of nine, and more recently Orla.

“I know how much the dogs, for me, have helped in taking your mind off something,” he told Hello! Magazine.

Princess Catherine, Prince William and a baby Prince George with Lupo, the couple's cocker spaniel, in 2013. Lupo died in 2020. Picture: Getty Images

“So I’m certain that for them, Orla is doing her job in supporting her family.”

The Princess of Wales’s brother added that their family is very close and prefers to tackle issues together.

“That was the experience I had through my challenges, and I certainly feel like it’s something that her [Catherine’s] family and our family are doing too,” he added.

According to The Sun, James sent the dog to the royals after revealing in his latest book how his loyal companion saved his life during his battle with mental health.

During an emotional video early this month, Catherine described her “relief” at finishing cancer treatment and said: “Staying cancer-free is now my focus”.

Princess Catherine has largely been absent from the public eye in 2024. Picture: AFP

Princess Catherine greets her family during a Christmas service at Westminster Abbey in 2021. Picture: Getty Images

AUSSIE MAN FINALIST FOR EARTHSHOT PRIZE

A Sydney man has been announced as a finalist for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, competing for nearly $2 million in awards.

Now in its fourth year, the prestigious award was founded by the Prince of Wales and the Royal Foundation and aims to “discover, spotlight and help grow innovative solutions that are working to repair and regenerate our planet.”

This year’s 15 finalists were selected from nearly 2500 entries across 139 countries-the largest pool of applicants in the prize’s history.

Nicholas Hill, Co-Founder and CEO of Coast4C

Nick Hill co-founded Coast 4C in 2020 with Amado Blanco to create the world’s largest supply of regenerative seaweed, supporting marginalised coastal fishing communities and helping lift them out of poverty.

“I’m delighted to introduce you to this year’s 15 new Earthshot Prize finalists. These solutions are some of the most exciting, innovative and impactful we’ve seen, and the people behind them are true inspirations,” Prince William said in a video to announce the finalists, shot earlier this month in Windsor.

“I know you’re as passionate as I am about making a difference to our planet, and we can’t wait to share their stories with you.”

The announcement was made at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit in New York City, co-hosted by The Earthshot Prize and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Prince William smiles during an event hosted by Homewards Aberdeen, in Aberdeen, northeast Scotland. Picture: AFP

The winners, who will be competing for a US$1.3 million (A$1.8m) prize to scale their ventures, will be announced at a gala in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 6.

There are three finalists in each of The Earthshot Prize’s five categories: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Ocean, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate.

“Today, we celebrate the incredible achievement, unwavering dedication and urgent optimism that drives our fourth class of Earthshot innovators,” Prince William, who is both founder and president of The Earthshot Prize, said in a statement.

“The passion of these finalists is a testament to what can be achieved when we tap into the enormous creativity, ingenuity and optimism of communities around the world.”

Prince William reveals Earthshot finalists

“Representing every corner of the globe, these finalists are leading the way in solving some of the most urgent environmental challenges,“ the statement continued. ”Their groundbreaking work is inspiring hope and action as we work to create a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Along with Prince William, the council tasked with choosing the winners includes Queen Rania of Jordan, Cate Blanchett, Sir David Attenborough, Indra Nooyi, designer Stella McCartney, chef José Andrés, Wanjira Mathai, Nemonte Nenquimo, Luisa Neubauer, Naoko Yamazaki, Ernest Gibson and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.