The Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly spent the last week on a sun-soaked holiday on the exclusive Caribbean island of Mustique – and one expert has given their opinion on Kate’s work schedule when she returns from the getaway

The Princess of Wales has unexpectedly had a busy diary since the Christmas break.

Kate, 43, has been gradually returning to royal duties ever since the end of her chemotherapy treatment following her shock cancer diagnosis one year ago. Her engagements have seen her join a school trip to a London gallery, lend her support to a children’s hospice and even pay a visit to a prison.

But this week, she has been noticeably taking time away from the spotlight as she, Prince William and their three children have reportedly headed off to the exclusive Caribbean island of Mustique on a sun-soaked break.

Wiliam and Kate with their three children George, Charlotte and Louis ( 
Image:
PA)
The holiday ties in with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis’ half-term holidays from school – and the trio are expected to return to lessons next week. So with the kids back at school will Kate jump back into her royal work?

Well according to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, she believes Kate will continue to set her own pace when it comes to ramping up her schedule. She told the Mirror : “We have already seen more of her than we expected in these early months of the year, so that augurs well.

“But I think she will be determined to remain in charge of her own schedule and she will dictate how much we see her on public duty, and how quickly she gets back to full-time work. And that is absolutely her prerogative after all she has been through.”

Their Waleses’ holiday to the Caribbean has reportedly been a whole family affair with Kate’s parents Carole and Michael joining them. Jennie added: “Mustique is a very special place for them and has long been a favourite of the Middleton family. Catherine’s parents were there waiting for them, so they had the welcome advantage of a bit of extra childcare on holiday – as well as the fun of being with people they really love.

William and Kate at the BAFTAs in 2023 ( 
Image:
AP)
“They may well have stayed at a very luxurious villa owned by one of William’s friends, where they have stayed before. It’s the ultimate in luxury on this very private island. And I can only imagine how the children would love the infinity swimming pool overlooking the sea, and the sandy beaches where they can play all sorts of games and sports.

“Life in Mustique is incredibly laid-back and relaxed – exactly what the whole family needed after such a brutal year. Catherine talked about how she longed for sunshine during her treatment for cancer. So it makes perfect sense to head to an island where the sun shines all day and the sea is warm.”

The holiday did mean that William and Kate were not at the BAFTAs last week – an event they have attended many times in the past due to William’s position as president of the Academy.

It was announced in advance that neither he nor Kate would be attending the bash but Jennie explained: “William has been president of BAFTA for 15 years, but he doesn’t attend the awards ceremony every year. “And, in any case, I don’t think anyone would begrudge him and his family a week or so in the sunshine.