PRINCESS Kate’s ex-aides are reportedly working “around the clock” on a top secret plan for her return to work, says an insider.
Royal staff are said to be preparing for Kate’s life in the public eye again after her lengthy recovery following abdominal surgery.
The Princess of Wales has been absent from royal duties since Christmas Day and is not expected to appear at any engagements until after the Easter holidays.
Now, two former aides who have experience in public relations, have been consulted about Kate’s comeback, reports the Mirror.
The pair are responsible for devising the mum-of-three’s schedule for when she feels healthy and well enough to return, it is understood.
Kate’s new private secretary, Lt Col Tom White, who joined the Firm’s team in January – the same time the Princess had her op – is one of those tasked with the job.
Prince William’s new private secretary, former diplomat Ian Patrick, is also part of the senior team.
A source said they are working “round the clock” to come up with Kate’s back-to-work plan.
They added: “They all know that the world will be watching after weeks of heightened speculation and often outlandish commentary on social media.”
It comes just hours after The Sun exclusively revealed video footage of Kate and Wills on an outing to Windsor Farm shop over the weekend.
Kate, 42, smiled and looked relaxed and happy on the trip with William.
The Princess was dressed down in a hoodie and leggings, carried her own shopping as she strolled through the car park at a farm shop.
Footage emerged just hours after The Sun exclusively revealed Kate had spent Saturday shopping in Windsor and Sunday morning watching her children play sport.
It comes amid weeks of vile and bullying online behaviour where wild conspiracy theories have spread unchecked.
Some even refused to believe our front page yesterday, despite Wills and Kate having being spotted by members of the public.
The Sun last week called on the world to “Lay Off Kate” after she was harshly criticised for editing her Mother’s Day family snap.
Royal expert Hugo Vickers spoke exclusively to The Sun and revealed Kate’s short outings are a “good thing” and show the country she is doing well – adding cruel trolls are a “waste of time”.
He said the public should “leave her alone” during what is understandably a fragile time.
Hugo added: “The photograph was well received when it first came out, and then it was criticised later.
“But as the week went on, I think the general attitude suddenly over here in Britain and amongst intelligent people was, oh, come on, you know.
“Leave her alone, let her get better at her own pace.
“We admire her and respect her. And why are we treating her as if she’s some sort of a criminal for having, maybe, you know, tried to improve a photograph one way or another.”
'Lay off Kate'
THE Sun last week led the way in defending Princess Kate when she was being criticised from all angles over the edited photo saga.
Social media trolls were quick to attack the future Queen over her editing of a Mother’s Day family picture.
Media critics also weighed in with their opinions alongside the idiotic conspiracy theorists, but The Sun stood alone in saying: Lay off Kate.
Our front page blasted: “The furious attacks on the future Queen over her photoshopping of a Mother’s Day family picture are not just absurd.
“They now look like a bullying campaign against a devoted mum, recovering from a serious operation, who simply wanted to offer the public a perfect portrait of her and her kids.
“She meant well, made a mistake and fessed up. Fair enough.
“Now leave her alone to get over her op.”
“It was very unattractive what was done last week, but I think the sympathy is absolutely there.”
Palace sources told The Sunday Times that Kate is keen to speak about her health battle — but only when she returns to frontline duties.
One friend said: “She and William are at their most open when out interacting with the public.
“I can see a world in which the Princess might discuss her recovery out on engagements.
“If she was going to do it, that’s how she would do it.
“They appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children and know there is a public appetite to see them on their birthdays.”
The friend said Wills and Kate had been “shaken” by the online hysteria over her health and the fallout over her Mother’s Day snap.
But they said the couple refused to be pushed into revealing details.
The pal added: “They will want to be clear and more open, but they’ll do it when they feel ready.
“I would expect that to be her instinct and it will be her call. They are not going to be rushed.”
The first footage of Kate since Christmas Day shows the royal mum-of-three carrying a full shopping bag of goodies at the farm shop, just a mile from the Wales’ home at Adelaide Cottage, Windsor, on Saturday.
DRESSED-DOWN
She was filmed on a mobile phone for several seconds walking side-by-side with her husband from the shop back towards the car park.
Kate, usually dressed in latest fashions for official royal occasions, still looked elegant in her weekend wear as she donned a black three-quarter zip hoodie and matching black leggings.
Providing a glimpse of Kate’s regular weekend ‘dress-down’ look she also wore grey socks pulled up over the bottom of her trousers and black trainers.
Kate appeared to be in good spirits smiling and speaking to William.
The future King wore a beige baseball cap, paired with a black rain jacket, blue denim jeans and grey trainers.