Kate will not join the other royals for the traditional Easter service in Windsor following her cancer diagnosis – but said she was looking forward to the day she could return to work.
The Princess of Wales, 42, made the decision following the release of her emotional video message on Friday night.
She is apparently determined to continue her normal routine, which she sees as an important part of her recovery.
But there has been no firm timetable for her return to public life.
The Queen-to-be is currently undergoing ‘preventive’ chemotherapy treatment and has asked the public to respect her young family’s privacy.
Sitting on a bench in Windsor, surrounded by spring flowers, the Princess of Wales took the extraordinary step of revealing to the world that she has cancer on Friday
Kate will not join the other royals for the traditional Easter service in Windsor following her cancer diagnosis. In the picture: The family at last year’s service in St. George’s Chapel
Last year’s Easter Sunday service in Windsor saw the royal family out in force on the grounds of the castle
Mike Tindall and Mia Tindall with Zara Tindall and Lena Tindall (front) attended the Easter Mattins Service last year
The Prince of Wales is due to return to public duties after his children return to school after the Easter break, but the family will not appear at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel for the Easter Sunday service.
Last year’s service was the first Easter Sunday service of Charles’ reign and the royal family were out in force in the palace grounds enjoying the bright spring sunshine before the morning service.
At the service, the Wales family were seen in a group of younger royals at the back of the large company that descended from the chapel where Queen Elizabeth was buried in September 2022.
The public and royal watchers have been clamoring to know when the Princess of Wales will return to official duties since she underwent surgery in January.
Her last official royal engagement was the Christmas Day service at Sandringham on 25 December.
In the video, Kate said: ‘My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to returning when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery’.
The Princess of Wales pictured at her last official royal engagement at the Christmas Day service at Sandringham on December 25
Kate at her ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 8
The Prince and Princess of Wales accompanied their children George, Louis and Charlotte to their first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire in September 2022
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the opening of Evelina London’s new Children’s Day Surgery Unit on December 5
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: ‘The Princess will return to official duties once cleared by her medical team.
‘She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.’
It is understood that Kate’s own views on whether she wants to attend events and whether she feels able to do so, along with medical advice, will factor into the decision-making process.
A palace spokesman said: “Their Royal Highnesses understand the interest in this update and are grateful for the public support they have received throughout this period.
‘Kensington Palace will provide information when the time is right and the Princess is able to resume work and her duties.
‘In the meantime, we would ask that the family’s privacy be respected.’
An ongoing comment on Kate’s health is not expected as she needs time, space and privacy to fully recover.
It would be likely that Kensington Palace will only provide further updates on Kate’s plans to return to public events when the timing is deemed appropriate.
It should also be expected that any initial public events will not necessarily signal a return to a regular public schedule.
Kensington Palace has said that Kate had major stomach surgery in January and that the operation was successful.
At the time of the surgery, the condition was believed to be non-cancerous and no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer.
Post-operative tests showed that there had been cancer and Kate has now started a course of preventive chemotherapy.
Kate’s cancer battle in her own words: The Princess of Wales’ emotional video statement in full
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you personally for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding as I recover from surgery.
It’s been an incredibly tough few months for our whole family, but I’ve had an amazing medical team who have taken good care of me, for which I’m so grateful.
In January I underwent major stomach surgery in London and at the time my condition was thought to be non-cancerous. The operation was successful. However, tests after the operation showed that there had been cancer. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of pre-emptive chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.
This of course came as a huge shock and William and I have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.
As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from a major operation to be able to start my treatment. But most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything
George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that suits them and to reassure them that I will be fine.
As I have told them; I feel good and get stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.
Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and reassurance. As well as the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means so much to both of us.
We hope you will understand that we as a family now need some time, space and privacy while I finish my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to returning when I am able, but for now I must focus on my full recovery.
At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For anyone facing this disease, in whatever form, don’t lose faith or hope. You are not alone.