Princess Catherine calls off search for chief of staff as she recovers from cancer

Kensington Palace has called off yet another long-term plan as Kate continues her private cancer battle, saying their “focus is on the princess’s recovery”.

The Princess of Wales has shelved plans to appoint a chief of staff to run Kensington Palace due to the continued concerns for her health.

The search to fill the key role will be placed on hold until she recovers “fully” from cancer, amid plans for a “phased” return to work in the British autumn.

Prince William and Catherine had planned last September to recruit a chief executive officer who would manage 60 staff and report directly to the royals instead of to a team of private secretaries.

Prince William and Princess Catherine have put plans for staff changes on hold. Picture: Getty Images

Kensington Palace had turned to dynamic London recruiter Odgers Berndtson to source the best contender for the job and advertised the position online spelling out the demands of the position.

The search for a CEO has now been called off with a Palace spokesman confirming: “With everything going on, the royal household’s focus is on the Princess’s recovery, no appointment has been made.”

It is understood Princess Catherine has been quietly working from the family home on the Windsor estate after she was diagnosed and has since been taken off the royal work roster to concentrate on recovering and on her young family.

The Princess of Wales is focusing on family. Picture: Getty Images

Kensington Palace is understood to be hatching plans for the Princess to make a phased return to public-facing duties after the Autumn once she has been given clearance by her medical team.

“The suspension of such a big appointment shows the focus is entirely on Kate recovering fully first — do not expect her to be back to royal duties until at least after the autumn,” said royal historian Gareth Russell.

Princess Catherine has been receiving treatment for cancer. Picture: Getty Images

“Kensington Palace doesn’t want any more upheaval at a time she is going through serious medical treatments, and it’s an indicator that at the moment they will keep focusing on that.

“It will be a few months until she will return to work and it will be a phased reintroduction, she’ll appear at a big state dinner or at smaller events.

“It feels like a long time that she has been missing because she is one of the most famous women in the world but it’s only been five months that she has been out of the public eye.

“There are plans to bring her back in a few months – but she’s been clear this will only happen when she feels better,” he said.

Samantha Mostyn has been announced as the next governor-general. Picture: PMO

It came as incoming Australian governor-general, Sam Mostyn, met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

The official secretary to the governor-general, Paul Singer, revealed the meeting in Senate Estimate hearings on Wednesday.

“We know the King is very engaged and very interested in Australian issues and will be very interested to hear directly from Ms Mostyn about her own observations and her own intentions for her time in office as governor-general,” Mr Singer said.

He was also questioned about plans for King Charles to visit Australia and whether that would include cities outside of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

Mr Singer remained tight-lipped about a royal visit and warned royal watchers not to get too excited.

“Given the current climate and the realities around the King’s health, I think it would be unwise for anyone to have expectations until such time as the program is finalised,” he said.

Originally published as Princess Catherine calls off search for chief of staff as she recovers from cancer