Princess Kate is set to step back out onto the royal stage this Christmas after it was confirmed she would spend Christmas Day with the Royal Family at Sandringham.

The Princess of Wales, 42, will no doubt be looking forward to the festivities after what Prince William described as a “brutal year” following her cancer diagnosis, which resulted in the future queen having to step back from the majority of her royal duties.

However, while being reunited with around 45 members of the Royal Family on December 25 will most likely be a source of joy for Kate, it is also likely that the mum-of-three will need some time for relaxation as she continues to recover following the end of her treatment in September.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes that the Princess of Wales is likely to rely on one royal home in particular to rest over the festive season with Prince William and their three children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, away from the busy setting of Sandringham.

Mr Fitzwilliams exclusively told Express.co.uk: “I think it will be special for the Waleses as William has called this year ‘brutal’ and the hardest of his life. He has talked of 45 being at Christmas lunch at Sandringham so the idea is obviously that those involved will be together to be supportive of King Charles, of Queen Camilla who has had pneumonia, and of William and Kate and her struggle."

He continued: "They and their children are the future of the monarchy and this will be an occasion to remember.

“They have nearby Anmer Hall for relaxation and will undoubtedly make the most of the down time the Christmas break allows.

“The event itself, with both of them expected to attend church in the morning as is traditional, is likely to be a memorable show of solidarity. This is what Catherine has endeavoured to do with her illness, reaching out to fellow sufferers. It is a reason for her being shortlisted for Person of the Year by Time Magazine.”

While the Wales family are attending Sandringham on Christmas Day, it is likely the young family will head back to their Amner Hall home in the evening for some time alone as a family of five.

On a recent engagement on Tuesday, Prince William told servicemen, women and children about his Christmas plans, confirming that 45 members of his family were set to gather in one room for Christmas lunch.

He also said that the occasion would be “noisy” and that he hopes to fit in some time for a dog walk.

On the same visit, Prince William also opened up about what he enjoys doing, which he said was spending time with his children and watching movies with his family at home.

The visit came just days after Princess Kate held her annual Together At Christmas carol service last Friday, her biggest engagement since her cancer diagnosis.