The Princess of Wales was shortlisted for Time’s 2024 Person of the Year, ultimately losing out to U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump. Other notable contenders for the title included Elon Musk, Joe Rogan, and Kamala Harris.
According to Time, the title goes to the person, group, or concept that had the biggest impact ‘for good or for ill’ on the world over the previous year.
The Princess of Wales has been announced as Time’s 2024 Person of the Year. (Defence Imagery)
The Princess of Wales was shortlisted for the honour for stirring up a ‘conversation about privacy and health for public figures’.
This isn’t her first time being connected with the Award, in 2011 (the year she married Prince William at Westminster Abbey) Catherine was nominated for Person of the Year in 2011 and was also named on TIME100 list of Most Influential People in 2013.
The Princess of Wales at the Festival of Remembrance. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
2024 marked a significant year for the Princess as she navigated a challenging health journey. In January, she underwent major abdominal surgery to address what was initially believed to be a benign condition. Despite appreciating public interest, Catherine expressed a desire to maintain normalcy for her children and keep her medical details private.
However, this was not to be the case wild conspiracy theories circulated online about her whereabouts, especially following an admission from Catherine about a photoshopped family image shared for Mothers’ Day. The photo was later to be revealed that it had been photoshopped from the Princess.
Just one month later, post-surgical tests revealed the presence of cancer. The diagnosis prompted recommendations for preventative chemotherapy by her medical team. Catherine issued a video statement, stating that the diagnosis came as a ‘huge shock’ and that she and William have been doing everything they can to process the news and manage it privately for their family. She added how they needed time to explain the situation to their young children in a way that ‘is appropriate for them’ and to reassure them that all is going to be ok.
A new photograph has been released of The Princess of Wales. (Kensington Palace).
By June, Catherine shared an update on her health, confirming she would attend the King’s Birthday Parade at Trooping the Colour. She noted her progress, acknowledging the ups and downs of chemotherapy. Catherine expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she had received, calling it ‘incredibly encouraging’ during her recovery.
Over the summer months, the mother of three made limited appearances at royal events, balancing her public responsibilities with her ongoing treatment and recovery. The Princess met the families of the girls killed in Stockport and attending Wimbledon in the summer.
In a moving video message broadcast in September, the Princess shared that her cancer journey is ongoing, describing her ‘path to healing and full recovery’ as long. She emphasised taking one day at a time but expressed optimism about resuming work and engaging in more public commitments in the months ahead.
The Princess of Wales attended Wimbledon. (Wimbledon/Twitter)
More recently, Catherine met fellow cancer patient and photographer Liz Hatton at Windsor Castle and hosted her fourth Christmas Carol service at Westminster Abbey. The Princess also made an appearance on the first day of the Qatar State Visit, where she accompanied her husband in greeting The Amir and Her Highness at their hotel in London before heading to the Ceremonial Welcome at Horse Guards Parade.
The Princess of Wales’ resilience has been widely praised. Her openness about her health challenges reflects a shift in royal traditions, promoting transparency and de-stigmatising serious illnesses. This candid approach has resonated with many, solidifying her role as a source of inspiration and courage in 2024.
