Kate's comeback

Her return to royal duties being masterminded by palace experts | She may be more open about condition & recovery, say sources

- RUSSELL MYERS

KENSINGTON Palace is working around the clock with publicity big guns on the plan for the Princess of Wales's return to public life.

A team featuring Kate and Prince Willliam's closest aides, their communications team and former palace staff members are being consulted as part of the secret project.

Royal sources said courtiers had asked for help and advice after a tumultuous period surrounding the princess's absence from royal life, following abdominal surgery in January.

The Mirror understands two former aides, known for being well-established public relations experts have been consulted by the team tasked with devising Kate's new schedule after weeks of heightened scrutiny.

One of them is her new private secretary Lt Col Tom White, who joined the royal team in January.

He previously served as an equerry to the late Queen Elizabeth II from November 2020 until her death in September 2022.

Prince William's new private secretary, former diplomat Ian Patrick, who previously worked for former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown, is also part of the senior team.

He worked under Lord Ashdown when he was in Bosnia from 2002 to 2006 before joining the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Mr Patrick is also a trustee of the charity Crohn's & Colitis UK.

One source said: "The teams are working round the clock to devise the Princess of Wales's back-to-work plan after weeks of immense pressure.

"They all know that the world will be watching after weeks of heightened speculation and often outlandish commentary on social media."