Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has made it to the shortlist for Time’s prestigious “Person of the Year” 2024.
The 42-year-old royal is in the running alongside high-profile figures such as US President-elect Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Her nomination remarks her pivotal role in sparking a global conversation about privacy and health for public figures, especially following her personal health challenges this year.
In January, Middleton underwent abdominal surgery, followed by a cancer diagnosis, which she revealed in March after rumours circulated about her absence.
The princess took a break from public duties to focus on her treatment, announcing in September that she had completed chemotherapy.
Her openness about her health journey has resonated deeply with the public, elevating the discourse around the struggles faced by public figures when it comes to privacy and medical challenges.
According to The Mirror, Middleton’s candidness in sharing her story has been praised for breaking down stigmas and inspiring others.
Her journey to recovery and her return to public engagements, including the recent “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey, where she spoke about her difficult year, have further cemented her influence. T
The service, which Middleton planned herself, emphasized themes of love and empathy, chosen after her personal health struggles.
As per The New York Post, Middleton’s efforts to continue her royal duties amid personal adversity have been lauded as a symbol of resilience.
This year’s shortlist also includes other notable figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, who launched an impressive 107-day presidential campaign, and Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg, praised for handling government scrutiny of his social media empire.
The winner of Time’s Person of the Year 2024 will be revealed in the coming days, following in the footsteps of 2023’s honoree, Taylor Swift.