Prince William wraps protective arm around Kate Middleton as she makes return to spotlight

A beaming Princess of Wales has made her biggest appearance since her cancer treatment ended by playing a key role in the Qatar state visit to the UK today – with Prince William offering a supporting hand to his wife.

Kate, 42, who recently finished treatment following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, joined William to welcome Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher for the start of the huge royal event. The royals posed for traditional welcome pictures before William and Kate accompanied the guests to nearby Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall where the King and senior members of the Government were waiting and a ceremonial welcome was staged.

The princess was pictured smiling in a fitted burgundy coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and a Sahar Millinery hat alongside William and the VIP guests inside the residence in London. Kate, wearing a pearl necklace that once belonged to the late Queen, and with her hair in a low chignon, was seen in conversation with Sheikha Jawaher.

But despite Kate being back for the ceremonial welcome, Queen Camilla was missing after suffering significantly diminished reserves of energy following her chest infection. Doctors have urged Camilla, 77, to take time to rest and recover fully because of the lingering effects of the illness, which she contracted a month ago following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa.

But she will join the royal party this afternoon at Buckingham Palace for a private lunch with the Emir and his wife and will also take part in all but one of the elements of the evening state banquet at Buckingham Palace, staged in honour of the Emir.

It is also hoped that the Queen will be able to view a display of Qatari artefacts after lunch in the palace’s picture gallery with her husband, the Waleses and the Emir.