It has emerged that the Princess of Wales has held her first meeting since completing her chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis – and it marks her slow return to royal duties after taking time off for her recovery

The Princess of Wales has marked a major milestone in her return to work following the completion of her chemotherapy treatment.

It has emerged that yesterday she held her first meeting at Windsor Castle since the treatment ended following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. In the official Court Circular of engagements undertaken by working royals, an entry for September 17 reads: “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.”

The meeting is likely to have discussed the princess’ ambitious Shaping Us campaign, launched last year by the centre with the aim of raising the profile of the formative years of a child’s life.

Kensington Palace confirmed it is the first noted mention of Kate working since she was first hospitalised in January for abdominal surgery. The princess spent two weeks in hospital before being discharged to recover at home. Weeks later, doctors delivered a secondary diagnosis of cancer before she began a course of preventative chemotherapy.

Her return also comes a week after an intimate video of Kate, husband Prince William and their three children, the future queen – who was diagnosed with cancer in February – told how she was looking forward to returning to duties. In her video, she said: “I am looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months.” However, she added: “My path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”