Before Kate Middleton announced earlier this month that her cancer is in remission, she and her family took part in a ski getaway in the Alps, according to reports.
The Mail on Sunday reported on Jan. 19 that the Princess of Wales, 43, joined Prince William and their three children — as well as members of the Middleton family — for several days away shortly after they spent Christmas at Sandringham. Kate, William, 42, and kids Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, joined fellow members of the royal family for the Dec. 25 holiday at the estate in Norfolk, including taking part in the traditional walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church on the estate’s grounds.
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Of the ski vacation, someone who saw Kate on holiday told The Mail on Sunday that the Princess of Wales’ younger brother James Middleton was also there, saying that the family “seemed to be really happy.”
“Kate looked like she was having a lovely time,” the source added.
James, 37, shared photos of himself, his wife Alizee and their 1-year-old son Inigo on an apparent ski trip, writing alongside the photos (and referencing his past struggles with depression) that “The January blues used to hit me hard … and to some extent it still does.” He added that he was now experiencing “A different type of January blues.”
“We started the New Year with an adventure into the mountains,” he continued. “We were lucky enough to be engulfed by blue skies and cold, crisp air.”
PEOPLE understands that Kate spent her 43rd birthday at home at Adelaide Cottage on Jan. 9, and George, Charlotte and Louis returned to school on Jan. 8 — so the vacation likely occurred sometime between Dec. 25 and that date.
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Five days after Kate’s birthday, on Jan. 14, she undertook a surprise royal engagement to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she herself was treated for cancer last year.
In an Instagram post that same day, the royal wrote that she had become joint patron of the Royal Marsden Hospital — and that she had taken a major step in her cancer journey.
“It is a relief to now be in remission,” she wrote. “And I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.”
“I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead,” Kate continued. “There is much to look forward to. Thank you everyone for your continued support.”
