Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a remarkable return to the public eye at the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony in London on June 15. This event, which celebrates King Charles III’s birthday, saw the princess arrive in a carriage with her three children – George, Charlotte, and Louis, to witness the king’s birthday parade alongside the rest of the royal family. Princess Catherine looked elegant in a white Jenny Packham dress with a black trim, complemented by a white and black ribbon bow on the neckline. Her hair was beautifully styled under a stylish white rimmed hat.
During the ceremony, the princess joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and their three children on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. In one photo captured, she appeared composed as she observed the crowd gathered for the event. The official Instagram account for Kensington Palace also shared some behind-the-scenes moments of the family getting ready for the ceremony, including a clip of Kate playing with Charlotte’s hair and Louis waving cheerfully from inside a carriage.
This appearance at Trooping the Colour marks Kate’s first public outing since she disclosed her cancer diagnosis in March and began undergoing preventive chemotherapy. Her previous public engagement was nearly six months ago, during the family’s traditional Christmas church visit in December. Despite being named honorary colonel of the Irish Guards in 2023, Kate did not attend the Colonel’s Review on June 8, which serves as a rehearsal for Trooping the Colour and typically involves the princess taking a salute. However, she sent a heartfelt note to the Irish Guards ahead of the ceremony, expressing her regrets for not being present and wishing them well.
In a statement released on June 14, Kate provided an update on her health, stating that she is making progress in her treatment, but acknowledges the ups and downs that come with chemotherapy. She emphasized the importance of listening to her body and resting on the challenging days, while making the most of feeling well on the good days. The princess confirmed that her treatment will continue for a few more months and expressed her hope to participate in more public engagements throughout the summer, although she remains cautious about her health status.
Kate has chosen not to disclose the specific type of cancer she is battling. In March, she shared the news of her diagnosis through a video message, revealing that the cancer was discovered following abdominal surgery in January. Despite facing this health challenge, Kate’s resilience and determination to fulfill her royal duties shine through, as she navigates her treatment with grace and optimism. The public continues to show support and admiration for the princess as she bravely confronts this personal battle while maintaining her royal responsibilities.