Revealing themes close to her heart, the Princess of Wales packed in a busy diary of royal engagements this week. Kate decided at the last minute to join her husband in marking Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday and captured the nation’s hearts when she enveloped a survivor in a long hug.

Then, on Thursday, the princess travelled to Wales to conduct two solo engagements – marking the first time she has left England for work since her cancer diagnosis.

Since then, most of her carefully organised engagements have been in London – except for when she joined the Prince in Southport to meet with bereaved families of the devastating attack.

Her last engagement outside of England was on November 2, 2023, when she and William conducted two engagements in Scotland.

While her busy work week is certainly the biggest indication yet that she’s moving back to full fitness now she is in remission, sources insist that the trio of engagements was not a sign of a resumption of full-time duties.

Instead, the princess will continue her gradual, phased return to work. Although her diary has certainly ramped up in recent weeks, it continues to be carefully managed in accordance with her health.

Her attendance at the BATFAs later this month is yet to be confirmed by Kensington Palace. As patron, the Prince of Wales will attend the glitzy red-carpet affair, but as the event falls during half-term, I’m told Kate may well opt to stay home with the children.

The family of five traditionally relocate to their country home in Norfolk during school holidays. Amner Hall is seen as their “place of sanctuary” where they can enjoy time outdoors, whether that be on the beach or in the woods.

Half-terms are among the rare times when the family can act like any other, with William and Kate typically blocking out their diary and taking time out from public engagements.

After the brutal 12 months they’ve experienced, family time has become increasingly important to both parents.

What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, the King had just been discharged from hospital following prostate surgery, and days later, medics would diagnose him with cancer.

Now, he is back to his typical jovial self, looking happy and relaxed as he gets on with the day job.

On Wednesday, I watched as Charles cheerfully chatted to the new intake of MPs who swamped him as soon as he stepped into the impressive State Ballroom at the Palace.

Despite everything, he still has star power.

After a spate of negative publicity, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have apparently decided to present a united front. Next week, Meghan will join her husband at the opening of the 2025 Invictus Games.

It’s not that surprising, considering she has joined her husband for every games since she made her debut in 2017 – just 10 months into their relationship.

But what is new is their change in tact after spending the past few months carving out separate paths and attending events solo.

The shift is said to be due to a new PR strategy, as they seek to repair their fragile reputation.

I don’t know about you, but I’m thrilled that January is finally over. It starts with a hangover and only worsens with the long days, cold temperatures and pressure to start a new fitness regime or diet.

February edges us closer to spring, with more sunlight and for royal hacks, a busier period covering official royal engagements – both home and abroad.

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Congratulations to Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who welcomed their second child, a girl named Athena, on Wednesday.

The babe was born several weeks prematurely but this was not a cause for alarm. Athena and mum are healthy and doing well at home.

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As you’re reading today’s column, I’ll be some 30,000ft in the air as I travel to Nepal to cover the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s six-day visit.

Having joined the royal rota only last April, this will be my first experience covering Edward and Sophie.

I’m looking forward to seeing the couple who have quietly supported the Firm for years with little fanfare.

And please wish me luck for the 16-hour flight, as I’m a notoriously nervous flyer!