It is often hard for parents to see their children off to school and now it seems that one royal parent is feeling these same pangs of separation.

Royal reporter Jennie Bond believes The Princess of Wales has “mixed feelings” about her children returning to school now that the UK summer holidays have ended.

“I think, like any young mother with children, she probably regarded the beginning of the summer holidays with some trepidation because you’ve got weeks on end to fill with three energetic young kids,” she said.

“And of course, private schools have very long holidays indeed.

“So I think it’s probably with a mixture of sadness that they won’t be still enjoying themselves in the freedom of the holidays, but maybe just Catherine might feel a measure of relief that these school holidays are finally over, and she can do the school run and perhaps get back into bed for a few hours afterwards.”

Saying goodbye would also feel complicated as Catherine continues with her cancer treatment and would have good days and bad days, according to Bond.

The Princess had remained largely absent from the public eye following a two-week hospital stay in January where she underwent major abdominal surgery. It was later revealed, in an emotional video message, that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would be taking time away as she undergoes treatment.

Her absence initially sparked concern among royal watchers. However, worry quickly turned to delight when Catherine was met with overwhelming fanfare following her attendance at this year’s Trooping the Colour. Later, she received a standing ovation upon her arrival at this year’s Wimbledon tournament.

Catherine’s long-awaited return not only made for stunning scenes it also spoke to the beloved royal’s commitment to duty, according to former royal butler Grant Harrold.

“Kate has got a huge sense of duty, just like the late Queen did. There have been plenty of comparisons between the late Queen and Prince Philip and the Prince and Princess of Wales,” he told Sky News.