The Princess of Wales is still gradually returning to full-time royal duties following her treatment for cancer – and one insider has revealed how she views her work now

The Princess of Wales is now ‘quite strict’ when it comes to working out what public outings she needs to be at, according to an insider. Kate has been gradually returning to public duties following her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment and it is understood that she is trying to find the right balance.

But in a surprise move last week, she missed Royal Ascot for the second successive year, despite her name originally appearing on the official list of those taking part in a carriage procession on the second day of the festival. And now as she navigates her return to full-time duties, one source has spoken out about her current approach to public appearances.

The Princess of Wales pulled out of Royal Ascot last week(Image: Getty Images)

Speaking to the Daily Mail, they said: “She’s quite strict now at working out what she needs to be at and what she doesn’t,’ a source says.

“And people forget that even if they aren’t seeing her in public, she is very hands-on behind the scenes with the team in the office. She has her own projects to pursue, such as her early years initiative. That’s a lifelong commitment for HRH.”

Previously, another royal source reiterated that Kensington Palace has consistently stressed the need for ‘flexibility’ around the Princess of Wales ‘ public engagements.

They added that the princess completed three engagements in the week leading up to Royal Ascot, attending the new V&A East Storeroom exhibition space in London, the King’s official birthday celebrations at Trooping the Colour and Garter Day in Windsor.

Kate with William and their three children(Image: PA)

It is not clear when the princess took the decision not to join the royals at the races, but fans had been hoping to see Kate as William was one of the figures awarding prizes during the second day of the meeting.

She was named among the guests joining King Charles and Queen Camilla in the traditional carriage procession, but a revised list was quickly issued after Kensington Palace confirmed she would not be attending.

Kate announced in January she was now in remission and focussed on healing, while the King is still undergoing weekly treatment for the disease. Before she made her first public appearance after her diagnosis at Trooping the Colour last year, she revealed how she was “taking each day as it comes”.

Speaking at the time, she said: “As anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty.”

In September when her chemotherapy treatment ended, Kate described in an emotional video message how the previous nine months had been “incredibly tough for us as a family” and “doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus”. William later said in a separate interview that 2024 had been a ‘brutal’ year.

The princess’ measured return to royal duties was welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II’s former communications secretary Ailsa Anderson. Speaking before Kate’s withdrawal from Royal Ascot, she told People magazine: “She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life.”