Princess Kate and William snapped in helicopter on way to spend Easter break at Anmer Hall

Princess Kate was snapped in a helicopter with husband Prince William just hours after she announced she has been diagnosed with cancer.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were today pictured boarding a helicopter on their way to their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, where they are expected to spend their Easter break joined by their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Following Friday’s devastating news that Princess Kate has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy, the family are not expected to attend next week’s Easter church service in Windsor and will spend their holidays in Norfolk instead.

While many have hoped Kate would have resumed her royal duties by Easter when she would make her grand reappearance, after the latest bombshells, the royal is not expected to join the rest of the Firm for the traditional Easter service in Windsor.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Friday: “The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team.

“She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”

A helicopter flying off Windsor

Prince William and Princess Kate will be spending Easter in Norfolk

The stunning Georgian mansion in Norfork where the Wales will be spending their Easter is the country residence of Prince William and Princess Kate after the late Queen Elizabeth II gifted the mansion to them as a wedding present.

Kate, who has been absent from royal duties since last Christmas, appeared visibly emotional on Friday as she thanked the nation for “all the wonderful messages of support” and their “understanding.

She added: “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit.

“My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”

The public and royal watchers have been clamouring to know when the Princess of Wales will get back to official duties since having surgery in January.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have left Adelaide Cottage in Windsor (Image: Jim Bennett)

Helicopter leaving Windsor today and heading towards Sandringham

After the latest developments, it is assumed that there is currently no set timeline for her return to public life.

According to reports, Kate’s own views on whether she wants to attend events and if she feels able to, along with medical advice, would form part of the decision-making process.

A Palace spokesman said: “Their Royal Highnesses understand the interest this update will generate and are grateful for the public support they have received throughout this period.

“Kensington Palace will provide information, when the time is right, and the princess is able to restart work and her duties.

“In the meantime, we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected.”

The Prince of Wales is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break.