Princess Catherine got her groove back after a challenging time! 2024 was a "brutal" and "dreadful" year for the royal family, as Prince William once put it, because both his wife and father, King Charles III, were diagnosed with cancer. The pair found out they had unidentified forms of cancer around the same time. Charles shared the diagnosis in February after a prostate procedure. However, Kate Middleton chose to keep hers under wraps and remain out of the spotlight for months, which led to conspiracy theories about her whereabouts. The speculation went off the rails, so she finally announced her heartbreaking diagnosis a month later before stepping back out of the spotlight for most of the year to prioritize her health. Related: King Charles Announces Major & Emotional Update On Cancer Treatment! Thankfully, she is doing well, she is in remission, and she has been slowly getting back into the swing of royal life over the past year while taking care of her three kids. Now, after that difficult chapter in her life, she is more confident than ever before. Royal historian Amanda Foreman told People on Wednesday: "This is someone who stared down the abyss. She didn't just face a life-­threatening illness - the global internet went after her. It was a character assassination." Catherine handled the situation with as much grace and vulnerability as possible, giving just enough to reassure everyone, while also trying to protect herself. Foreman continued: "She has that steeliness and that tremendous charm and that smile. It's the combination of a willingness to show vulnerability but at the same time not being vulnerable." After announcing her remission, as we mentioned, she eased back into work, prioritizing causes close to her heart. That included her early childhood development, addiction support, and the healing effects of nature. Harvard University professor Robert Waldinger said: "Early-childhood development is not glamorous. It's quiet and privately done, and the lack of resources doesn't get a lot of attention. What she's doing by lending her voice to this is huge. Bringing in business leaders who can make a difference is an incredible way to use the platform she has." However, it's not only her work taking center stage again. It's her relationship with William. (c) MEGA/WENN Those close to the couple say they are more connected than ever following the health scare. Foreman shared: "What they have been through over the last few years has been so terrible. That either drives couples apart, or, in their case, it brings them together. It irons out the kinks and enables them to see each other clearly." What's else in this next era? Catherine is looking more and more like a Queen each day. She sported Queen Victoria's 172-year-old Oriental Circlet tiara, which is only reserved for queens and future queens, for a state banquet with William on December 3. It was a symbolic move, as experts pointed out. Royal biographer Catherine Mayer expressed: "She looks like our idea of a future Queen. ... William and Kate are showcased as being not just the future of the monarchy but its absolute heart." Foreman added of the couple: "They are becoming the face of state visits. They are taking on a leadership role." Next year, we'll find Catherine and William busy again. The two are making their first joint visit overseas since her cancer battle in 2026, with an invitation extended to Australia. There's also a potential US trip coming. Don't expect a visit to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, though! William is still beefing with his brother! Since Kate's health has improved, Sally Bedell Smith noted the royals will want to use her more moving forward: "Now that she has begun to turn a corner, they will be deploying her as much as they can. It's important for them to be at the center of the action." But ultimately, it is Catherine's decision what she does from now on. Mayer said: "She is in this confident phase where she is able to define who she is, what she does and how much she does. In that sense, she's approaching her prime." Hopefully, 2026 is Catherine's best year yet! She deserves to shine following a difficult few years! What are your reactions, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments! [Image via MEGA/WENN] The post Princess Catherine Is In 'A Confident Phase' After 'Staring Down The Abyss' Amid Cancer Battle! appeared first on Perez Hilton.