The " hardest year " of Prince William 's life appears to be easing up as his wife, Kate Middleton, continues to thrive health-wise and begins to take on more royal duties. While wrapping up an international trip,

Prince William has shared a welcome update on his wife, Kate Middleton, as she gears up to return to public-facing duties in full following her cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales, 42, has spent much of this year behind closed doors following her abdominal surgery in January which was closely followed by her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.