The Princess of Wales is returning to royal duty this week for four major events as she continues to recover.

Princess Kate reportedly sees work as a ‘great tonic’. (Image: YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Princess Kate is reportedly feeling positive about the future as she gradually returns to royal duty after a difficult year.

The Princess of Wales, 42, was forced to step back from royal engagements this year after being diagnosed with cancer following abdominal surgery in January.

Since then, the princess has been undergoing chemotherapy, which came to an end in September, with the future Queen announcing in a heartfelt video that she was to begin a gradual return to work.

Over the last few months, the princess has attended a handful of important engagements, with the biggest of the year about to take place.

On Tuesday, Kate will be by her husband Prince William’s side for three state visit events, including greeting the Amir of the State of Qatar and attending a private lunch.

While she will not attend the state banquet, she will be back in the spotlight within a matter of days at her Together At Christmas carol service on Friday.

Although this may seem like a lot for the princess following her health battles this year, a royal source said work has been a “great tonic” for the mum-of-three, who has tried to maintain as much normality as possible this year for the sake of her three children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

According to The Mirror, a royal source said: “The Princess is feeling positive about the future and very much looking forward to representing the royal family at the state visit and beyond.

“Her work has always been a great tonic to her as she continues to concentrate on her recovery moving forward to the end of the year and beyond.”

Princess Kate will host her carol service on Friday. (Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to carry out some royal tours next year if the princess is fully recovered, something they have been restricted from doing this year as a result of Kate’s health.

The same can be said for the King and Queen Camilla, who, after their latest royal tour of Australia and Samoa, are expected to take part in a normal royal tour schedule for next year.

This will be dependent on doctor’s orders, with King Charles still undergoing chemotherapy for his cancer, which was also diagnosed earlier this year.