RICHARD EDEN: What Kate’s friends tell me about her recovery – and what’s really going on behind the scenes at Kensington Palace

The Princess of Wales was this week described as the ‘driving force’ behind a major report calling on businesses to introduce more family-friendly ways of working.

Yet a spokesperson is keen to emphasize that Catherine’s involvement should be not are seen as an indication that she is returning to work.

The Princess’s many admirers can perhaps be forgiven for some confusion, as the signals appear to be mixed – and they will naturally be wondering what really goes on behind the scenes at Kensington Palace.

It is certainly true that Catherine’s work on the Royal Foundation’s Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, and this latest report, is a sign of her dedication to the subject – ‘a huge priority for the Princess’, as her spokesperson confirmed.

But I don’t think we should read more into it than that.

As we know, the princess, 42, is undergoing what was described as ‘preventive chemotherapy’ for cancer, having previously undergone major abdominal surgery.

She has made no public engagements this year and friends I have spoken to in recent days suggest we may not see Catherine again until the autumn – and only then when she has fully recovered.

In the courageous and moving video message she recorded for the country in March, the princess pleaded for “some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.”

She added: ‘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 need to focus on making a full recovery.’

And it is that focus that continues to be a priority.

Other aspects of the work she shares with Prince William have even been put on hold.

Take, for example, the planned appointment of someone to run the Waleses’ household.

I announced last September in my social diary, Eden Confidential, that William and Catherine were planning to create a new role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), responsible for approximately 60 employees.

The new boss would report directly to the royal couple and – in particular – would not be accountable to the private secretaries who have long held power behind the scenes of the royal palaces.

“This is a revolutionary move,” a source told me at the time, somewhat excitedly. “They are overturning the traditional hierarchical structure in which employees are accountable to private secretaries.”

Kensington Palace hired a high-powered recruitment agency, Odgers Berndtson, to find the best candidate and an advertisement was placed online highlighting the unprecedented nature of the role.

However, the search for a CEO has now been suspended. As a palace spokesperson explained: ‘With everything going on, the Royal Household’s focus is on the Princess’ recovery so no appointment has been made.’

Although the prince and princess have often taken on separate assignments and pursued different interests, they are a true team.

Their charity is the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, remember, and they have joint offices and work closely together.

And as the postponement of such an important appointment shows, major decisions must wait until Catherine has recovered.

In March, Kensington Palace published the first photo of the Princess of Wales since the operation

The London clinic where Catherine was treated after her diagnosis earlier this year

“No one wants to put pressure on Catherine,” says a source. “All that matters right now is that she gets better. This year she went through a trial.

‘What this means in practice is that major decisions, such as the appointment of new staff, can wait.

‘It is a reflection of Her Royal Highness’s importance to the future of the monarchy that she has been given as much time as she needs.’

King Charles was keen to be seen by the public as he underwent his own cancer treatment – ​​but this has not been the case for his daughter-in-law, as disappointing as that may be to her admirers.

“As sovereign, His Majesty is in a very different position to the Princess of Wales,” the source said. “There is no need for her to be seen while she is recovering.”

And that’s not a position that’s about to change – despite Catherine’s continued online trolling, which has unfortunately increased in recent weeks.

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