When will Kate Middleton return to work following news of her cancer diagnosis?

Kate Middleton has revealed in an emotional video message that she has received a cancer diagnosis. 

In the video statement shared by Kensington Palace at 6pm local time (5am Saturday morning in Australia), the Princess of Wales said "it has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family."

She added that the diagnosis came as a "huge shock" to her and her family, explaining that she and William are "doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family."

READ MORE: Kate diagnosed with cancer: 'tough couple of months'.

The Princess has taken a step back from royal duties since undergoing abdominal surgery on January 16, and speculation has been rife as to when she will return to the public eye. 

With the recent news of her diagnosis, Kensington Palace shared that Kate will return to her royal duties following the advice of her doctors. 

View gallery

The history of cancer diagnoses in the British royal family

"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," said a palace spokesperson. 

It is said that William will return to his royal engagements following the Easter Holiday. 

READ MORE: How George, Charlotte, and Louis found out about Kate's diagnosis.

In her video, the Princess emphasised the importance she places on her work, explaining that it has always brought her "a deep sense of joy," adding that she is looking forward to "being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery."

In early March, the British Army had tickets available for the annual Trooping the Colour event on June 8 alongside an image of Kate, it was expected that she would review the display as part of her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards. 

However, the claim that Kate would attend the event was quickly removed amid speculation surrounding her health, which was unknown at the time. 

READ MORE: King Charles 'so proud of Catherine for her courage'.

The royal was last officially seen in public on Christmas Day with her family, just shortly before it was announced she would be undergoing "planned abdominal surgery."

At the time, the palace said that Kate would return to her royal duties after Easter, however that timeline has not been updated following the announcement of her diagnosis.