The Princess of Wales ‘needs to strike a careful balance’ when she returns to royal duties, a mental health expert has claimed.

The royal, 42, underwent planned abdominal surgery at The London Clinic last month and has been recovering the family’s home in Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.

The mother-of-three will not carry out official engagements until after Easter and could undertake any necessary work from her bed, with her return to public duties depending on medical advice closer to the time, MailOnline understands.

Sophie Cress, a UK-based therapist, spoken about some of the challenges the Princess of Wales may face when she resumes her duties as a senior member of the Royal Family.

Speaking to GB News, the expert explained: ‘Kate is probably going to ease her way back into her royal responsibilities, giving priority to things that suit her energy and health at the moment.

Pictured: The Princess of Wales, 42, seen attending the Royal Variety Show at the Royal Albert Hall in December 2023

‘Psychologically speaking, it’s critical that Kate maintains her autonomy and sense of control over her schedule as she gradually returns to her duties.’

Describing how the royal will need to a ‘strike a careful balance’, the therapist said Kate would benefit from engagements that provide a level of flexibility.

The expert went on to say that it’s ‘crucial’ that Kate is able to balance her ‘physical and emotional wellbeing’ when returning to work.

Earlier this month, The Daily Mail exclusively revealed that Kate joined Prince William and their three children for a half-term holiday to the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

‘Catherine is recovering well,’ a friend told Diary editor Richard Eden. ‘She was looking forward to a change of scene and will be able to take it easy in Norfolk while the children let off steam with William.’

As news that Kate had been discharged emerged, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: ‘The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress.

‘The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided.

‘The Wales family continues to be grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.’

Pictured: The Princess of Wales seen visiting the SportsAid House for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

The Princess of Wales and Prince William with Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church’

Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales had undergone surgery just hours before it was revealed King Charles would be having treatment for an enlarged prostate. Earlier this month, the Palace announced that the King had been diagnosed with cancer.

There were previously concerns that the length of Kate’s stint in the exclusive London Clinic suggested the procedure was ‘serious’.

The exact details of the princess’s condition have not been revealed but the Palace said previously it was not cancer-related and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.

While bed rest is advisable for anyone recovering from invasive surgery, doctors also highlight the importance of sitting up to avoid muscle wastage and gradually trying to get back to an active lifestyle, in accordance with your condition.

But she is likely to be avoiding any strenuous activities for the time being, with William understood to be covering both dropping-off and picking-up their three children from school.

Two police officers stand guard outside The London Clinic in Marylebone when the Princess of Wales was a patient last month

The heir to the throne is said to be a ‘hands-on’ father and is regularly seen the school gates at Lambrook School in Berkshire, with insiders saying he ‘won’t be fazed’ about parenting Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as his wife recovers.

Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton are also expected to help the Waleses navigate the next few months as the princess recovers.

The family are being supported by their staff, including loyal, long-standing nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo.