The Princess of Wales is beloved the world over for her grace and charm, as well as the respect she clearly has for her royal role. A large part of this duty is ensuring her children are properly readied for their futures – a task that has been at the heart of everything she has done.

Even during her chemotherapy treatment for cancer, the Princess has kept Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the centre of every decision, and they have surely brought a light during the darkest times.

While there is still some a while to go, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond explains why this summer will provide the Princess with a reason to be positive. She exclusively told OK!: “I think it has become obvious that she is facing perhaps the toughest challenge of her life, and that her illness has been extremely serious.”

The Princess of Wales has made a handful of appearances since her diagnosis -Credit:Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror

Jennie continued: “I’m sure she’s grateful that her family and close friends have formed a ring of steel around her, protecting her privacy. She will speak about details of her cancer only if and when she chooses… which is entirely correct.

The royal expert went on to comment on how well the princess looked during her recent video tribute to Team GB’s Olympic athletes, but how “that clearly doesn’t mean that she is yet ‘out of the woods’ as she put it. I’m sure she will let us know when she feels that she is.”

She went on to detail how Kate’s recovery will continue at it’s own pace, adding: “We all want to see the Princess back on the public stage, but absolutely NOT at the expense of her health. And so we must be patient, and take cheer from the fact that the summer weeks with her family in Norfolk seem to be doing her the world of good.”

The couple made a recent appearance in a video to congratulate Team GB -Credit:Screengrab/Instagram

Finally, Jennie reflected that despite what Kate has gone through, she will hopefully be able to draw some comfort from it, saying: “Hopefully, in the future, she will look back on this time with some positivity, in that she has been able to devote herself to her young family and be a full time mum as much as her health has allowed.”

Jennie’s comments come after the Daily Mail reported that the public remain unaware about just how long the Princess has been facing challenges to her health.

A source told the paper: “I don’t think people realise how much she has gone through behind the scenes and for how long, far longer than anyone actually appreciates.

“She’s an incredibly strong woman, but she really has been through the wars. Her treatment and recovery is still a priority and will be ongoing for some time to come.”

Another insider added: “Her continuing treatment is the key issue for her personally, and for them all as a family. For anyone there is a lot of physical recovery after treatment finishes. It’s not like flipping a switch.”

The Princess of Wales made a much-anticipated visit to Wimbledon in July -Credit:Tim Merry/Staff Photographer

The Princess of Wales revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer back in March and released a personal video message.

She said: “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.

Kate Middleton wrote cancer diagnosis speech by herself -Credit:Instagram

“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.”

The Princess continued: “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. 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 must focus on making a full recovery.

“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”