HOW MOTHERLY LOVE HELPED KATE HEAL

The Princess of Wales has been praised for her bravery while dealing with cancer and here, royal insiders tell us why drawing strength from her children has been key

- EMILY NASH

As she begins the Easter holidays with her children after a special Mother's Day A celebration, the Princess of Wales appears to be reaping the benefits of her slow but steady return to the spotlight.

Looking healthy and radiant on recent public outings, Kate is clearly in a happy place after one of the most challenging years of her life.

Indeed, watching her stand confidently on the dais to take the salute from the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day, observers might have been forgiven for forgetting that she had ever been away.

Key to her recovery has been a gradual return to duties, balanced with precious family time, fresh air and exercise, with a focus on rebuilding her mind and body after treatment for cancer.

It has long been clear that her children are at the heart of nearly every decision Kate makes. The family's move to Windsor three years ago was, she says, "for more green space", and friends say they love the relative freedom and normality of life at Adelaide Cottage, in the shadow of Windsor Castle.

But what has become apparent in the past few months is just how much the Princess's children have helped her heal.

VITAL SUPPORT

"The children give her the sustenance to get through it," Ailsa Anderson, former communications secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, tells HELLO!. "Any person undergoing treatment for cancer will rely heavily on their family.

"I think they are the anchor that keeps her going the children and William." During her conversations with soldiers and their families at Wellington Barracks in March,

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were never far from Kate's mind.