While they’ve never attended before, every year we speculate and wonder if Kate Middleton is going to the Met Gala with her husband Prince William. The Princess of Wales has made an appearance at fashion’s coveted event before, but it’s not what you think.
According to the couple’s friend Amaia Arrieta, a designer who has been dressing the family for over a decade, The Prince and Princess of Wales have been having a hard time dealing with Catherine’s cancer diagnosis despite putting on a brave face for the public. “I’m heartbroken at the moment,” Arrieta told The Telegraph on May 2, 2024. “I think they are going through hell.” She went on to add, “I hope they will be back. It’s really personal.”
Arrieta’s update came just two days after Prince William was asked about his wife’s health following a visit to the charity James’ Place Newcastle on April 30, 2024. During his walkabout, the Prince of Wales was stopped by a royal fan, who asked about Kate’s condition. “Do you mind if I ask how your wife and children are?” the woman asked, to which Prince William replied, “We’re all doing well, thank you.”
The royals are known to attend cultural events like the BAFTAs, so is Kate Middleton going to the Met Gala? She’d join only 2 other British royals who’ve been before her.
Is Kate Middleton going to the Met Gala?
There’s been no confirmation as to whether Kate Middleton is going to the Met Gala, but we’d say it’s pretty unlikely given her health and the fact that there have only been 2 members of the British royal family to grace the museum’s steps.
In 2018, at the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination theme, Princess Beatrice stepped out in a beautiful purple gown by Alberta Ferretti—purple being a color historically associated with royalty and, at times, the Holy Roman Empire.
Prior to that, Princess Diana—Will’s mom—attended the Met Gala in 1996, just four months after finalizing her divorce from Prince Charles. The theme that year was a celebration of Dior, she became the first person to wear a gown by the label’s newest designer John Galliano.
Catherine’s sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, has been speculated to join the Met Gala guest list for years, but she’s also never been. With Harry going to England for the Invictus Games and Archie’s birthday coming up, it’s likely that she will skip it.
A source divulged to Page Six that a missing invite doesn’t mean that Anna hates them. “It’s Anna’s party, and just because you’re not invited doesn’t mean she doesn’t like you necessarily – you may not be up to her fashion standards.”
Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis on March 22, 2024. Her diagnosis came shortly after undergoing a planned abdominal surgery in January. While the surgery was successful, post-operative tests discovered the presence of cancer. Her medical team recommended she begin preventative chemotherapy, and in her announcement, Kate revealed she was in the early stages of this treatment.
Despite much speculation about her condition in the weeks leading up to her announcement, the mother of three delayed sharing the news of her diagnosis—in part so that she and Prince William could properly explain her condition to their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
“It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK,” she shared at the time. “As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”
Kate also expressed her gratitude for the support she received, giving a special shout-out to her husband. “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too,” she said. “As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”