The Fight OF HER LIFE

Kate Middleton may not return to official duties until 2025 - and a royal insider reveals what's really happening with her health

The royal diary was in upheaval. On May 24, King Charles and Prince William abruptly canceled all their planned appearances for the week, as U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a special election for July 4.

"The royal family will - in accordance with normal procedure postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the campaign," Buckingham Palace said in a statement, offering "sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected."

And while William and his father are still expected at several outings in June, one family member's schedule remains completely clear: Princess Kate's. Kensington Palace confirmed that she will not attend a key dress rehearsal for the annual Trooping the Colour celebration on June 8, "and she's canceled everything else as well," says a source. "It's possible we won't see her until 2025, which would be a whole year without Kate."

At press time, it had already been 158 days since the Princess of Wales made her last public appearance, on Christmas Day. In January, the palace made the surprise announcement that she was undergoing abdominal surgery. In March, Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis in a heartbreaking video.

"But she insisted she was getting better every day," says the source. "No one expected her to completely disappear for so long. Now, with the news that she may not resume her royal duties until 2025, everyone is fearing the worst. The truth is, Kate is in the fight of her life." The Firm has tried to alleviate concerns.