'Kate is not out of the woods yet ...we have to let her pace herself

THE Princess of Wales was yesterday urged to "pace herself" and ensure she returns to royal duties gradually for the sake of her health, her family and the country.

- Emily Ferguson

It comes after she undertook her first official meeting of the year on Tuesday, which has been widely welcomed as a good sign in the course of her cancer recovery.

The meeting at Windsor Castle came just eight days after she revealed that she had completed her chemotherapy.

In an emotional video message, the Princess spoke of her relief that her "incredibly tough" treatment had come to an end and thanked the public for their "kindness, empathy and compassion" as the family faced dark times.

Kate, 42, cautioned that the road to recovery would not be easy, but said she hopes to undertake "a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can".

Dickie Arbiter, who served as Queen Elizabeth's press spokesman from 1998 until 2000, warned the Princess should not be pushing herself to return to work too soon.

He said: "It will be a slow adjustment to getting back on duty and we mustn't expect anything mammoth overnight.

"The fact she had a meeting earlier this week is a good sign, that she is engaging with other people other than just her family." But Mr Arbiter said that Kate mustn't feel rushed into a busier schedule, adding: "We shouldn't be pushing her and she certainly shouldn't be pushing herself to keep people happy.

Healing

"She will do it gradually and in her time. She's not out of the woods yet and we must allow her to pace herself."