Princess Kate’s Royal Career Milestones: A Timeline

When Princess Kate discussed what her future role within the monarchy would be back in 2010, at the time of her engagement to Prince William, she said: “I’m willing to learn quickly and work hard…I really hope I can make a difference, even in the smallest way. I am looking forward to helping as much as I can.”

Over the past 13 years, the royal has launched a number of independent initiatives, spearheaded working groups, taken the lead on national campaigns and advocated for numerous issues close to her heart. This has been done alongside regular royal engagements, overseas tours and raising her young family with Prince William.

In January of this year, Kate stepped out of the public eye to undergo abdominal surgery. In March she revealed that this had informed a subsequent cancer diagnosis.

Though Kate is not expected to return to public life until her medical team has cleared her, it was revealed on Monday that she is being briefed on her key projects and kept informed behind the scenes.

Here, Newsweek takes a look at some of Princess Kate’s royal career milestones so far, from national surveys on mental health and childhood development to photography projects and Christmas carol concerts.