Since she bravely told the world about her cancer diagnosis, the Princess of Wales has been inundated with messages of support from wellwishers.

And now, it seems the flood of get-well cards and letters have flooded Buckingham Palace, with the sheer volume of correspondence often leaving palace staff slightly overwhelmed. It has been reported that ‘tens of thousands’ of people have been in touch to send their support and good wishes to Kate.

It comes as Kate continues with her treatment and recovery with it reported that she has been “out and about” with her family more in recent weeks. Here we look at everything we know about Kate’s recovery so far, two months on from her shock news…

Shock diagnosis
It was just over eight weeks ago that Kate bravely revealed she had received a cancer diagnosis and was undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy.

Further back in January, she was admitted to hospital for “major abdominal surgery”, which was confirmed as successful. At the time of her operation, it was thought that her condition was non-cancerous, however, post-operative tests confirmed that cancer had been present.

In an emotional and heartfelt televised statement to the world confirming her diagnosis, Kate spoke of “an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family”. But in a sign of her incredible bravery, the princess issued a message of hope for those also facing their own battle, saying: “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

At the time a Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “The Princess is in good spirits and focused on her recovery. She is hugely grateful to the medical team for the care they are providing to her. She now needs time, space and privacy to complete her treatment and make a full recovery.”

Kate’s recovery has meant that she has not been out on public duties for some months – however, her husband Prince William has been doing some engagements.

And it has been during these front-facing duties that the Prince of Wales has been able to offer some positive updates about his wife. On an outing in Newcastle last month when he visited a suicide prevention charity, he met with several wellwishers. One of them was Julie Cain, 60, who asked the heir to the throne: “Do you mind if I ask how your wife and children are?” And William replied: “All doing well, thank you. Yes, we’re doing well.”

Prince William has given several small updates about Kate ( Image: Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

And just several weeks ago while visiting a hospital, he also gave another rare update about Kate. It came during a trip to the Isles of Scilly, where he visited St. Mary’s Community Hospital to meet staff and receive updates on plans for a large new extension.

On arrival, the Prince was met by Tracy Smith, who is in charge of hospital administration. She asked about the future Queen and was told she was “doing well”. Tracy said later: “I asked how Princess Kate was and how the children were and said I hoped they would enjoy some time here over the summer. He said he would very much like that to be able to happen.”

An eye on work
Last week, a new report by the Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood revealed that Kate had been following the work of chief executives she convened last year to galvanise business action on the importance of the formative years of a child’s development.

The report recommends a range of interventions – from creating a culture inside and outside firms that prioritises childhood to supporting parents with greater resources and flexibility in the workplace.

The Princess of Wales at a meeting of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood last year
The Princess of Wales at a meeting of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood last year ( Image: Getty Images)

The report follows the launch of Kate’s long-term campaign Shaping Us in January last year. Described as the princess’ “life’s work”, it aims to highlight the crucial first five years of a child’s life. Christian Guy, executive director of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, briefed Kate on the new report which she has also read. He says the royal was “excited” by the document.

But despite Kate appearing to still be across her important work project, a Kensington Palace spokesman stressed the launch did not signal Kate “returning to work”.

Two things she needs
But despite Kate appearing to still be across her important work project, a Kensington Palace spokesman stressed the launch did not signal Kate “returning to work” – and what she needs amid her recovery.