Kensington Palace has provided an update on the Princess of Wales, who remains out of the public eye while awaiting medical clearance from her doctors.
Despite her absence, she is described as the 'driving force' behind a significant new report urging businesses to adopt more family-friendly working practices. The report, spearheaded by the Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, highlights the economic benefits of investing in early childhood.
According to the report, such investments could potentially boost the national economy by more than £45.5 billion annually. The findings have already been presented to Downing Street and senior ministers in the health and education departments. However, palace officials emphasize that this initiative is not part of a political campaign.
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace clarified that the update should not be misconstrued as the Princess resuming her duties. She is still recovering from major abdominal surgery and undergoing 'preventative chemotherapy' for cancer. The Princess has not participated in public engagements at all this year, but she has been involved in every aspect of the report from her home despite her illness.
"The work of The Prince and Princess's projects is ongoing," the spokesperson said. "Early childhood is a significant priority for the Princess, and she has been fully updated throughout the development of the Taskforce's work and has reviewed the report."
A senior royal aide added, "The Princess of Wales has been the driving force behind the business task force. She has been kept informed since its inception, has read the report, and has been briefed on its details. This demonstrates her unwavering commitment to public service, particularly in the area of early childhood development. She will continue this focus when she returns to work. However, it is essential that she is given the space and privacy to recover fully. She will return to her duties once she receives medical clearance."
