SETTING HER OWN PACE

Having withdrawn from Royal Ascot after some high-profile outings, the Princess of Wales is keeping her comeback on her own terms

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She has resolved to focus on her wellbeing and “take each day as it comes” as she makes a gradual return to royal duties after her treatment for cancer. And last week, the Princess of Wales decided to put her recovery first as she cancelled plans to attend Royal Ascot.

Kate 43, had been due to join her husband the Prince of Wales and other senior royals in the traditional carriage procession as the royal family gathered at the Berkshire racecourse on the second day of the event on Wednesday.

The annual meeting isa highlight of the royals’ summer calendar, and the Princess, who would have been making her comeback after missing it last year, was expected to be a star attraction.

But just 90 minutes before the procession began, Kensington Palace confirmed that although Prince William would be there, his wife would not be at his side after all.

Kate, whose diagnosis last year was followed by a six-month course of preventative chemotherap) was said to be “disappointed” to miss the family get together, which included her mother, Carole Middleton, and sister-in-law Alizee Thevenet.

But HELLO! understands that, even though her appearances have become more frequent and regular of late, she still “has to find the right balance” as she returns to public life.

Kensington Palace has always made clear that the Princess is taking a careful, measured approach to her return to work. Last September, afier finishing chemotherapy, Kate said that her illness had brought a “new perspective”, adding: “My path to healing and full recovery is long and Imust continue to take each day as it comes.”

KNOWING HER LIMITS