Britain’s Princess of Wales has resumed official duties after withdrawing from last week’s Royal Ascot meeting, the Court Circular shows. On Wednesday she and Prince William hosted philanthropist Melinda Gates at Windsor Castle in their capacity as patrons of the Royal Foundation, marking the princess’s first recorded engagement since mid-June. Kensington Palace sources say the 43-year-old royal is pacing her public schedule as she continues recovery following last year’s cancer treatment. Despite the Ascot absence, advisers describe the meeting with Gates as part of a controlled, ‘flexible’ return to work that allows for rest between engagements. Attention now shifts to Wimbledon, which opens on 30 June. As patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Princess Kate traditionally presents the singles trophies and royal commentators say she is “very likely” to attend at some point during the fortnight. She is also expected to take part in events surrounding the French state visit to Windsor in early July.