On June 15, which marked King Charles’ official birthday, the Princess of Wales made her first public appearance in six months. Seeing her attend the Trooping the Colour event was a delight for the British public who gathered to celebrate the King’s birthday.
Kate and Charles stood next together on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the royal family’s appearance. In attendance were also Queen Camilla, Prince William, who was spotted chatting with his wife, as well as the couple’s three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
“Family is really important to the Princess of Wales and she wanted to be there to support her family,” a royal source said of Princess Kate’s decision to attend the meaningful event. Trooping the Colour is a long-standing British tradition, featuring the British Army’s yearly parade to celebrate the monarch’s official birthday. Kate demonstrated her support for her father-in-law by making the decision to make her public appearance following her cancer diagnosis on that day.
“Catherine has been absolutely amazing. Her statement was extraordinary, and her appearance today was graceful and elegant, and has filled people with hope,”a friend of Kate’s told Daily Beast.
“She knocked it out of the park. She looked amazing and sent all the right messages. This has been the monarchy’s best day since the Coronation,” another insider added.
Reporting on the ceremony, The London Times wrote, “As moments in the royal history books go, it will stake its claim at the top of the pile,” adding how powerful it was to see Kate and King Charles—both undergoing cancer treatment—side by side on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Royal correspondent Roya Nikkhah wrote, “Little happens by accident when it comes to royal pictures and messaging. The sight of Charles shoulder to shoulder with the princess on the Buckingham Palace balcony spoke volumes about his pride in his beloved daughter-in-law.”
Kate’s attendance was planned for some time, but it was only officially revealed that she would make her appearance the day prior at around 6 p.m.
Although she was seen in public looking as dazzling and as charming as ever, the Palace said this appearance should not be confused with her return to royal duties.
In her latest address to the public, Kate wrote, “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 am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well,” she continued.
“My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.”