Although the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony traditionally celebrates the Monarch’s birthday, this year all eyes were on Princess Catherine as she made her long awaited return to the public eye.
Catherine stepped away from the spotlight following a two-week hospital stay in January after she underwent major abdominal surgery. It was later revealed, in an emotional video message, that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would be taking time away as she undergoes treatment.
Now, in her first public appearance since December 2023, Catherine delighted fans as she rode in a covered carriage with her three children to take part in celebrations for the birthday of King Charles.
Wearing a pale outfit decorated with a white and navy ribbon by fashion designer Jenny Packham and a broad-brimmed matching hat by milliner Philip Treacy, Catherine watched the ceremony from a window overlooking the parade ground.
She pointed out aspects of the event to her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis while Charles saluted passing troops.
The King and Queen, as well as William, Catherine and other members of the Royal Family later returned to Buckingham Palace to watch a military fly-past from the balcony where Catherine smiled broadly and waved to an adoring crowd.
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Royal fans were overjoyed at Catherine’s return, many taking to social media to welcome the Princess back while sharing how “wonderful” it was to see her once again.
“Welcome back princess kate, happy to see you beautiful as ever,” one fan wrote.
“The Princess of Wales, how Brave, strong, dignified, beautiful and strong she is. Such a lovely Family God bless them.”
“So happy to see the Princess of Wales with her beautiful children – sending love and healing thoughts from New Zealand,” commented another.
“Absolutely wonderful to see you again Princess Kate. You’re even more beautiful than you were before. Continue to get well. We love you and our thoughts and prayers are with you always.”
“Wonderful to see Princess Catherine!”
Catherine’s return to the public eye comes after the beloved Princess recently revealed that she is “making good progress” in her cancer battle.
In her first official statement since revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Catherine expressed her gratitude to supporters for their encouraging words and provided an update on her recovery.
“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,” she began.
“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.
“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.”
-with Reuters.