Kate says she longs to return to her duties after cancer fight but will not join other Royals at the traditional Easter service in Windsor

Kate will not join the other royals for the traditional Easter service in Windsor following her cancer diagnosis - but said she was looking forward to the day she could return to duties.

The Princess of Wales, 42, made the decision following the release of her emotional video message on Friday night.

She is apparently determined to go about her normal routine, which she sees as an important part of her recovery.

But there has been no set timeline for her return to public life.

The future queen is currently undergoing 'preventative' chemotherapy treatment and has asked the public to respect her young family's privacy. 

Sitting on a bench at Windsor, surrounded by spring flowers, the Princess of Wales took the extraordinary step of revealing to the world that she has cancer on Friday

Kate will not join the other royals for the traditional Easter service in Windsor following her cancer diagnosis. Pictured: The family at last year's service at St George's Chapel

Last year's Easter Sunday service at Windsor caused the royal family to be out in force in the grounds of the castle

Mike Tindall and Mia Tindall with Zara Tindall and Lena Tindall (front) attending the Easter Mattins Service last year

The Prince of Wales is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break, but the family will not appear at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel for the Easter Sunday service.

Last year's service was the first Easter Sunday service of Charles's reign and the royal family were out in force in the grounds of the castle, enjoying the bright spring sunshine before the morning service. 

At the service the Wales family were spotted in a group of younger royals at the back of the large party walking down from the chapel where Queen Elizabeth was interred in September 2022.

The public and royal watchers have been clamouring to know when the Princess of Wales will get back to official duties since having surgery in January.

Her last official royal engagement was the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham on December 25.

In the video Kate said: 'My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.'

The Princess of Wales pictured at her last official royal engagement at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham on December 25

Kate at her 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 8

The Prince and Princess of Wales accompanied their children George, Louis and Charlotte for their first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire in September 2022

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the opening of Evelina London's new children's day surgery unit on December 5

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team.

'She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.'

It is understood Kate's own views on whether she wants to attend events and if she feels able to, along with medical advice, would form part of the decision-making process. 

A Palace spokesman said: 'Their Royal Highnesses understand the interest this update will generate and are grateful for the public support they have received throughout this period.

'Kensington Palace will provide information, when the time is right, and the princess is able to restart work and her duties.

'In the meantime, we would ask that the family's privacy is respected.'

A running commentary on Kate's health is not expected as she will need the time, space and privacy to fully recover.

It would be likely that Kensington Palace will only provide further updates on Kate's plans to return to public events when the time is deemed appropriate.

It should also be expected that any initial public events will not necessarily signal a return to a regular public schedule.

Kensington Palace has said that Kate had major abdominal surgery in January and that surgery was successful.

At the time of surgery, it was thought that the condition was non-cancerous and no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer.

Post-operative tests found that cancer had been present and Kate has now begun a course of preventative chemotherapy.

Kate's cancer battle in her own words: The Princess of Wales' emotional video statement in full 

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I've had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to

George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.

As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.

Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.