Kate Middleton returns to work with first meeting after finishing chemotherapy

The Princess of Wales has held her first meeting at Windsor Castle since finishing chemotherapy . Kate, 42, revealed last week that her treatment had ended and she would slowly return to royal duties .

In an intimate video of Kate, husband Prince William and their three children, the future queen – who was diagnosed with cancer in February – told how she was looking forward to returning to duties .

Though she said: “My path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”

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In the official Court Circular of engagements undertaken by working royals, an entry today reads: “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.”

Kensington Palace confirmed it is the first noted mention of Kate working since she was first hospitalised in January for abdominal surgery. The princess spent two weeks in hospital before being discharged to recover at home. Weeks later, doctors delivered a secondary diagnosis of cancer before she began a course of preventative chemotherapy . Kate was applauded last week for her statement, in which she spoke of her cancer journey being “complex, scary and unpredictable”.

The princess added: “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”

Kate also spoke of how her husband Prince William , 42, had been by her side and together they had come to “reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”
She added: Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus.”

In her video, Kate added: “I am looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months.” In May, when a report was published by the business taskforce she helped set up to urge firms to prioritise early childhood, royal aides said the princess was “excited” by the developments.

The taskforce reported that the UK could reap economic benefits if firms put business plans in place to prioritise childhood by supporting parents with greater resources and flexibility in the workplace. At the time, courtiers said Kate was “kept informed” of developments.

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Kate's early years meeting included members of her Kensington Palace communications department as well as representatives from her early years team.

Royal sources said the princess would ease herself back into royal life by working from home as well as undertaking some engagements. She is expected to join members of the Royal Family at the Cenotaph in November for Remembrance Sunday.

The Princess of Wales was listed in the Court Circular last for attending Wimbledon in July when she watched the men's final alongside her daughter Charlotte, nine and sister Pippa.

William meanwhile also undertook an engagement on Tuesday when he visited 22 Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) to meet individuals who have been deployed on recent operations. Kensington Palace made no further comment.