The Princess of Wales has made a triumphant return to public life in her first appearance since her cancer diagnosis, as she smiles and waves with her children from the royal balcony at the King’s official birthday parade Trooping the Colour.
Kate, 42, is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy after revealing in March that she was receiving treatment for the disease, which was discovered after abdominal surgery in January.
Crowds cheered and whistled as the King and Queen led the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis out onto the royal balcony to view the Red Arrows fly past in the King’s honour.
She was seen chatting in the King’s ear and smiling as the red arrows roared overhead trailing their trademark red, white and blue colours.
The King waved again to cheering crowds before heading back inside the palace after the national anthem finished.
It came after the Princess of Wales and her children were seen waving from the safety of their glass carriage at the drenched crowds as the heavens opened on their way back to Buckingham Palace.
King Charles was said to be delighted the Princess could attend as she watched his birthday parade from the royal balcony in Buckingham Palace.
The Princess of Wales dazzled in a bold white Jenny Packham dress with black detail, and a white angled hat by Philip Treacey.
She was last seen in this outfit in May 2023 during the King’s coronation weekend.
The Princess of Wales chatted to her children and looked back at the thousands of wellwishers who braved the rain for the ceremony on Saturday morning.
Prince Louis could be seen performing a cheeky little jig during the quick march of the Scots Guards to Highland Laddie from the window at the Duke of Wellington’s former office.
The six-year-old was standing with his mother, the Princess of Wales, and his nine-year-old sister Princess Charlotte.
The prince seems kept himself well entertained making his mother break into laughter as he waited for the Red Arrows flypast.
It came after the King was seen waving a gloved hand to the crowds gathered to watch the procession.
The Queen, wearing a large brimmed hat and seated to his left, was also seen waving.
In a candid statement released on Friday, Kate outlined her personal cancer journey admitting she is experiencing “good days and bad days” stressing: “I am not out of the woods yet.”
She said: “I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.
“Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”
But she has begun to work from home, undertaking meetings with her foundation and Kensington Palace team, and hopes to join a few public engagements over the summer.
Her decision to choose a major national event on Saturday to return briefly to the public spotlight, the first time since Christmas Day, has been welcomed by the King.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty is delighted that the princess is able to attend tomorrow’s events, and is much looking forward to all elements of the day.”
The princess’s public appearance at Trooping is her first official outing of 2024 after she missed engagements at the start of the year when she was admitted to hospital on 16 January.
Trooping will not mark the start of a return to full-time duties, and Kate has no plans to attend the Garter Day service on Monday or Royal Ascot, as she is still undergoing treatment, with the royal appearing to indicate in her statement it will last until the end of summer.
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James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
