President George Abela did not attend Mass for Mother's Day at San Anton Palace courtyard yesterday and his wife Margaret said he was slowly recovering from the back injury, following his "unfortunate" fall in Shanghai 10 days ago.

Speaking after the Mass and the distribution of flowers to mothers who attended, Mrs Abela said the President was feeling slightly better, having left hospital for the palace on Saturday. However, he required more long-term treatment - a minimum of four weeks, but possibly more - which entailed pain killers and bed rest.

The President is spending his day alternating between lying down, walking and physiotherapy. He cannot remain in the same position for too long, Mrs Abela explained, adding that she had also taken on the role of "nurse" and was prepared to do whatever she could until her husband recovered.

Dr Abela slipped in his hotel during an official visit to China on April 30, suffering a hairline fracture in his back. After a weekend at Shanghai's Ruijin Hospital, he was flown to Malta on a special, medically-equipped plane, provided by the Chinese government.

Despite everything, Dr Abela's morale was high and he has resumed his complete constitutional obligations. He was even working from hospital, holding meetings with his staff to discuss what needed to be done, Ms Abela said.

"He has always been conscious of his back but what had to happen happened and, eventually, we will put it behind us," Mrs Abela said before proceeding to entertain her guests to coffee and snacks in the glorious sunshine that flooded the palace gardens.