The Princess of Wales is set to mark her 43rd birthday this Thursday.
Following their festive celebrations in Norfolk, Princess Kate's three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - are returning to school.
This year's birthday holds particular significance, coming after a period of health challenges for the princess.
Prince William recently described the past year as "brutal" for the family, highlighting the personal struggles they've faced.
The Princess of Wales is set to mark her 43rd birthday this Thursday.
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The royal couple have been focused on ensuring a smooth transition for their children during this period.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward notes that Kate is mindful of her future responsibilities whilst prioritising her family's wellbeing.
"Kate knows there is a looming, massive responsibility coming, but she can't do anything about that, so she just needs to make sure that the family she's bringing up are able to deal with it," Seward explains.
"It must have been very difficult for her to deal with her family and her illness at the same time," she adds.
The royal couple have been focused on ensuring a smooth transition for their children.
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According to Seward, the princess's recent health challenges have reinforced her commitment to balancing royal duties with family life.
The royal commentator said: "I think the illness has made her keen to prioritise her family even more, because they are the future.
"She is very embedded in the future now, and the things that are really important in life, like her children and her charity work, really resonate."
Princess Kate and Prince William are working on balancing their responsibilities as parents with their roles as senior working royals, according to a royal source.
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Royal expert Ingrid Seward notes that Kate is mindful of her future responsibilities whilst prioritising her family's wellbeing.
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Kate made made two high-profile appearances alongside her children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine and Prince Louis, six, in December.
The first coming at Westminster Abbey for her Together at Christmas Carol Service and the second at Sandringham for the Royal Family's walk to church on Christmas Day.
A royal insider told the Mail: "I think anyone who saw her at the carol service last month, which was a lovely bookend to what has been a horribly difficult year, was so pleased to see her back and could see for themselves how much better she was.
"It was clear she was also happy to be back doing the things she loves. She is determined to make what she does count."
The source added: "She will do what is right for her, and particularly her family, every time, regardless of what anyone says. She is calmly determined."
