After a tough year: Kate recharges her batteries on a family vacation in the mountains!

Alps - The British royal family has had to deal with a number of difficult strokes of fate over the past year, including the future Queen's cancer. Nevertheless, Princess Kate (43)treated herself to a relaxing break in the Alps over the New Year - another step towards recovery.

Princess Kate (43) treated herself and her family to a break in the Alps.
Princess Kate (43) treated herself and her family to a break in the Alps.  © Chris Jackson/PA Wire/dpa

She was accompanied by her husband Prince William (42) and their three children George (11), Charlotte (9) and Louis (6).

As reported by The Sun, it is understood that the five were accompanied by several members of the Middleton family, including Kate's brother and his wife.

The trip to the Alps was not only intended to provide relaxation, but also to aid the princess 's recovery.

The lively troupe is also said to have been spotted eating together in a restaurant.

Princess Kate gave strength to other cancer patients

Princess Kate visited the Royal Marsden Hospital and spoke to cancer patients.
Princess Kate visited the Royal Marsden Hospital and spoke to cancer patients.  © Chris Jackson/PA Wire/dpa

A member of staff at the pub said: "It was lovely to see Kate relaxing and enjoying herself. They looked like a normal English family and a lot of people didn't recognize them. It wasn't the first time we'd seen them."

It was only recently announced that the 43-year-old would gradually return to her royal duties, but that foreign travel was "off the table".

Nevertheless, the princess is said to be traveling all over the UK again. Only around a week ago, she visited the hospital where she herself was treated.

There she gave strength to other cancer patients and announced that she and her husband are joint patrons of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.