Princess Kate 'has mixed feelings' as George, Charlotte and Louis return to school

During the six-week summer holidays, the family enjoyed a variety of trips and activities. They spent a lot of time at their Norfolk country home Anmer Hall, which is close to the King’s Sandringham estate.

They also enjoyed a Nerf gun battle at Bear Grylls' Gone Wild festival at nearby Holkham Hall, whilst Charlotte joined her mother and aunt Pippa Middleton at Wimbledon for the Men’s final.

The family also travelled up to Scotland to spend time with other Royal Family members on their annual Balmoral trip.

The summer follows a tough first half of the year for Kate, who announced she was undergoing preventative cancer treatment in March.

Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, said that she believes the ending of the summer holidays will be bittersweet for Kate.

Speaking to Fabulous, she said: “I think, like any young mother with children, she probably regarded the beginning of the summer holidays with some trepidation because you've got weeks on end to fill with three energetic young kids.

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“And of course, private schools have very long holidays indeed.

“So I think it's probably with a mixture of sadness that they won't be still enjoying themselves in the freedom of the holidays, but maybe just Catherine might feel a measure of relief that these school holidays are finally over, and she can do the school run and perhaps get back into bed for a few hours afterwards.”

Bond said that due to her cancer treatment, Kate was likely having both good and bad days. She said that the active lifestyle of the family would mean that the holidays have probably been taxing for the 42-year-old.

Discussing the family’s love of the outdoors, Bond said: “I think, even the picture that was released of her standing under the tree as she said she was beginning to feel better and telling us all about the cancer diagnosis, that showed that as she battles to get back to full health, nature, the outdoors, gardening, and any pursuit that involves fresh air and being with her children is what she will have been doing.”

When Kate first began to recover from her treatment, William was collecting the kids from school. Bond claims that recently, the 42-year-old has started doing the runs herself, so expects she will continue to do this in the new school year.

Kate has attended two public events since revealing her health battles, largely remaining out of the public eye amid treatment.

She stepped out at Trooping the Colour in June and was met with a standing ovation at the Wimbledon men's final the following month.

The Waleses last appeared together in a video earlier this month to celebrate Team GB ahead of the 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.

She was also spotted attending a service at Crathie Church on the Balmoral Estate during the annual trip.