PHOTOGRAPHED AT WINDSOR THE PRINCESS OF WALES SPEAKS OF 'GOOD PROGRESS' AS SHE THANKS WELL-WISHERS IN A TOUCHING NEW MESSAGE

Looking serene and well amid the lush foliage of a weeping willow tree on the Windsor estate, the Princess of Wales shared a stunning new image with a personal update on her health ahead of her return to the spotlight at Trooping the Colour.

- EMILY NASH

It was the good news that royal fans had been waiting for and Kate's portrait and message said it all..

She posed for photographer Matt Porteous days before joining the rest of the Royal Family for the King's birthday parade (page 36).

In a touching and highly personal note released with the photo, Kate revealed she was "making good progress" and had been "blown away" by the support and encouragement she had received since sharing her diagnosis of an unspecified cancer.

She added that the warm response from the public had made the "world of difference" to her and Prince William and "has helped us both through some of the harder times."

In words that, no doubt, resonated with millions afflicted by cancer, Kate noted, "As anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.