Royal News

Kate Middleton's international return hangs in the balance: What we know about her possible US visit

Prince William will likely be the one to visit the country, taking advantage of the World Cup

MAY 6, 2026 6:24 PM EDTMAY 6, 2026, 6:24 PM EDT

It's been a week since King Charles and Queen Camilla returned from their state visit to the US, and there are already talks of another diplomatic visit from the British royals. This time around, the Prince and Princess of Wales are the key figures, with rumors claiming that the two might visit the country before the end of the year. One question remains: Will Kate Middleton join the trip, or will Prince William continue his international work abroad alone?

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Another royal visit on the horizon

Last December, The Times reported that there were talks of both King Charles and Prince William visiting the US in 2026, a year that commemorates the country's 250th anniversary as an independent nation, with both trips having different missions. New rumors claim that Prince William's trip to the US is in the planning stage, although no details have been confirmed.

Ever since the rumors began to swirl, it was known that Charles would make the first visit, meeting with Donald Trump for an important diplomatic encounter. Prince William's trip would coincide with the World Cup, which will be hosted in the US, Canada, and Mexico from June through July, making it possible for him to visit other nations in the Americas.

Over the past years, Kate has stuck to engagements in the UK

Will Kate Middleton be in attendance?

That leaves royal followers with a key question. Will Kate Middleton be in attendance? Ever since Queen Elizabeth's death and Kate Middleton's illness, the Princess of Wales has centered her agenda in the UK, focusing on local efforts and spending time with her family.

She hasn't participated in many international trips since 2022, when she and William, as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, represented Queen Elizabeth at her Platinum Jubilee in Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

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That same year, after the Queen had died, William and Kate visited Boston for the Earthshot Prize, offering their first glimpse as global leaders. The following year, Kate and William traveled to Jordan to attend the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa.

Over the past couple of years, William has traveled on his own, attending the Earthshot Prize events in South Africa and Brazil.