In a newly released book about Kate Middleton titled Catherine, The Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen (which hit shelves on August 6), it’s been revealed that the princess and mother-of-three was very upfront with King Charles about how she would be carrying out her royal duties from the start: She would put her children first.

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As Robert Jobson, the author of the book, told HELLO! in a recent interview: “With her children, she made it very clear to both the late Queen and to the Prince of Wales, as he was – now the King – that she’s not going to be rushed into doing things that she doesn’t necessarily want to do.”

He continued, “I think she realizes that she only has one shot at this. She’s got three young children, and they have to come first.”

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As Kate continues with her recovery from cancer, this prioritization has become even more pertinent.

Given all of the public speculation surrounding her absence earlier this year, and the unrelenting expectations that come with her title, the author adds that this time with her family is especially important, as her children are still “very, very young and this is a time she won’t get back again.”

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Earlier this summer, the princess gave a public update saying that she was making “good progress” with her chemotherapy treatments, but she still has “good days and bad days.”

She also shared that she was hoping to join a few public events over the summer, which we saw at the Trooping the Colour in June, and Wimbledon in July.

“I know I’m not out of the woods yet. I’m learning to be more patient, especially in the face of uncertainty. Accept every day as it is, listen to your body and allow yourself to spend much-needed time healing,” Kate shared in her message, before thanking those who have sent her well-wishes.

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