Kate Middleton Joins King Charles for Cancer Charity Reception — And Yes, She Still Plays Prosecco Pong

The Princess of Wales is set to join King Charles and Queen Camilla at a special reception at St James's Palace on Tuesday evening, in what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged royal engagements of the year. The trio will honour Cancer Research UK at an event marking the charity's 125th anniversary — a particularly meaningful occasion given that both Kate and the King have faced their own very personal battles with cancer in recent years.

Kate, who announced she was in remission in January 2025 after undergoing chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer diagnosed in early 2024, will stand alongside her father-in-law, who continues to receive treatment for his own cancer. The event, hosted by Charles in his role as patron of Cancer Research UK, will see the royals meet researchers, clinicians and volunteers, and view immersive installations highlighting technological breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will also attend.

Tuesday's appearance is the latest sign that Kate is steadily rebuilding her royal workload. Last month she undertook her first overseas visit since her diagnosis, travelling to Reggio Emilia in Italy to champion her early years development mission — a trip Prince William said left her absolutely buzzing. A palace aide described the Italy trip as the start of a truly significant moment in her recovery, with Kate now pursuing what insiders are calling a global mission around child development. William has been careful to balance his pride with practicality, noting that royal tours are exhausting and that the family's priority remains making sure she is properly rested.

Away from the formality of palace receptions, a rather more lighthearted portrait of the Princess has emerged this week. Her cousin-in-law Mike Tindall — husband of Zara Tindall and long-time insider of royal family gatherings — let slip that Kate is rather handy at prosecco pong. 'I knew that the Princess of Wales was über competitive because I'd seen her play a drinking game called beer pong, but normally we play prosecco pong! She still plays it with us,' Tindall told Woman & Home. It speaks to a warmth and normality within the royal family that the public rarely glimpses — though Kate herself has noted she has been much more mindful of her alcohol intake since her cancer diagnosis, telling onlookers during a recent visit to Southwark Brewery: 'Since my diagnosis, I haven't had much alcohol. It's something I have to be a lot more conscious of now.'