Kate Middleton Short-Listed for TIME’s ‘Person of the Year’ After Year of Health Battles and Resilience

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has earned a spot on TIME’s prestigious shortlist for “Person of the Year” 2024. The 42-year-old royal has been recognised for igniting a meaningful conversation around privacy and public figures’ health challenges.

Kate Middleton has been short-listed for Time’s “Person of the Year.” James Whatling-IPA/POOL supplied by Splash News / SplashNews.com

Kate joins an influential list that includes former President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Vice President Kamala Harris, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, podcaster Joe Rogan, and Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Princess Catherine has spent much of the year behind closed doors following her cancer diagnosis. Zak Hussein / SplashNews.com

The “Person of the Year” title is awarded annually to an individual, group, or movement that has made a significant impact—whether positive or negative. The 2024 shortlist was revealed on the Today show on Monday, and the final winner will be announced on Thursday. Last year’s title went to music icon Taylor Swift.

The Princess of Wales, 42, was praised for kick-starting an important “conversation about privacy and health for public figures.” Reuters-PA/POOL supplied by Splash News / SplashNews.com

The nomination comes after a challenging year for Princess Kate, who underwent abdominal surgery in January, followed by a cancer diagnosis that led her to step away from public duties. After months of treatment, she shared the hopeful news that she was cancer-free.

In March, the princess announced her diagnosis and focused on recovery, noting she experienced “good days and bad days” during chemotherapy. In a letter three months later, she assured the public she was making “good progress.”

President-elect Donald Trump is among the nominees. AP

Recently, Kate has resumed some public engagements. Her appearance at Westminster Abbey’s “Together at Christmas” carol service, which she organised, was especially poignant. Speaking to singer Paloma Faith, the princess reflected on the year, admitting, “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year that I’ve just had. The unplanned. But I think many people have had such challenging times this year.”

Elon Musk is also included on the list of famous names up for the award. AFP via Getty Images

The service centred on themes of love and empathy, reflecting Kate’s journey and resilience.

Prince William also acknowledged the difficulties of 2024, describing it as “the hardest year of my life.” He expressed pride in his wife and father, King Charles, who also faced a cancer diagnosis this year, saying, “It’s been brutal, but I’m proud of how they’ve handled everything.”

Vice President Kamala Harris is also short-listed for the award. Getty Images

Joe Rogan is also short-listed for Time’s 2024 “Person of the Year.” X /@joerogan

This year’s winner will take the baton from singer Taylor Swift, who was named Time’s “Person of the Year” in 2023. via REUTERS

Kate Middleton’s nomination highlights her strength and the critical dialogue she’s sparked on privacy, health, and perseverance in the public eye.