A friend of the Princess of Wales has hinted at when she could possibly return to public engagements, it has been claimed.

Kate, 42, has been away from royal duties since the beginning of the year after undergoing major abdominal surgery followed by receiving a cancer diagnosis. In an emotional message to the world in March, she also revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

In that message, she talked about how her work has brought her “a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able” and added: “For now I must focus on making a full recovery” and also asked for “some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment”.

The Princess of Wales is undergoing cancer treatment

In recent days, it was revealed that the princess had read and been briefed on a new report by her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood about how businesses can support the early years development of children. Kensington Palace stressed that despite being informed of the report’s findings, the princess had not returned to work.

And the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden has explained when a return might be, writing in a column: “She has not undertaken any public engagements this year and friends I spoke to in the past few days suggest we might not see Catherine again until the autumn – and only then if she has recovered fully.” He also quoted a source as saying: “No one wants to put any pressure on Catherine. The only thing that matters at the moment is her getting better. She has been through an ordeal this year.”

Prince William speaks to wellwishers on a trip to Newcastle ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

It comes after earlier this week when another source told the Daily Mail that she will only return to work when she has been given the green light by doctors. Although Kate’s recovery has meant that she has not been out on public duties for some months, her husband Prince William has been doing engagements.

And it has been during these front-facing duties that the Prince of Wales has been able to offer some positive updates about his wife. On an outing in Newcastle last month when he visited a suicide prevention charity, he met with several wellwishers.

One of them was Julie Cain, 60, who asked the heir to the throne: “Do you mind if I ask how your wife and children are?” And William replied: “All doing well, thank you. Yes, we’re doing well.”

And just several weeks ago while visiting a hospital, he also gave another rare update about Kate. It came during a trip to the Isles of Scilly, where he visited St. Mary’s Community Hospital to meet staff and receive updates on plans for a large new extension.

On arrival, the Prince was met by Tracy Smith, who is in charge of hospital administration. She asked about the future Queen and was told she was “doing well”. Tracy said later: “I asked how Princess Kate was and how the children were and said I hoped they would enjoy some time here over the summer. He said he would very much like that to be able to happen.”