Princess Kate Feeling ‘Really Strong’ Ahead of First Post-Cancer Royal Tour: ‘She Can Handle This’

Princess Kate is feeling energized, a source tells Star, as she prepares to make her first official overseas trip since going public with her cancer diagnosis in 2024.

On Wednesday, May 13, the Princess of Wales, 44, will touch down in Reggio Emilia, Italy, where she’ll spend two days meeting with members of the community to learn how they “come together to support children’s development,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson announced, per the BBC.

“She’s finally feeling totally healthy again and really strong and she wants to be of service,” shares the source. “She’s saying this is only the first of many trips she plans to make.”

Prince William “doesn’t love that she’s going without him,” the source admits, “but it was agreed that one of them needed to stay home” with Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8, “and since Kate is so passionate about this cause, she pushed to be the one to go.”

While Kate’s since announced that her cancer is in remission, that doesn’t mean this will be an easy trip for her to make, says Star‘s source. “There’s so much pressure that comes along with any sort of official engagement. It’s going to mean very long hours and a lot of extra work.”

All eyes are on the future queen, the source adds. “She hasn’t even left on the trip yet and she’s already dealing with backlash from people saying she should be focusing her time elsewhere, which is only adding to her stress,” and that of her husband, 43.

“She’s insisting that it’s all fine and that she can handle this trip no problem, but that hasn’t stopped William from worrying,” reveals the source.