Kate Middleton Makes First Royal Appearance Since Cancer Diagnosis at Trooping the Colour 2024 |
Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a heartwarming appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the King’s official birthday celebration. This event marked her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis. Accompanied by her husband William and their children George, Charlotte, and Louis, they joined King Charles and Queen Camilla to watch the Royal Air Force flypast. The royal family waved and smiled at the cheering crowd.
Earlier, Kate was seen in a state carriage with her children, traveling from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade to witness Trooping the Colour. She wore an Irish Guards regimental brooch, symbolizing her honorary colonel role. Her husband, Prince William, participated on horseback while the family observed from a viewing point.
For Kate, this appearance was her first since Christmas Day, prior to her cancer diagnosis. In an update on her health, she shared that she has made “good progress” but still faces several months of treatment. She acknowledged that she is “not out of the woods yet.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Grand Entrance
King Charles III and Queen Camilla also traveled in a carriage from Buckingham Palace, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. This year, due to his own cancer diagnosis, King Charles opted for a carriage instead of horseback. The event drew a diverse crowd, with many donning Union Jack bucket hats and fascinators, waving flags, and singing the national anthem.
Trooping the Colour is a spectacular military event with 1,400 officers and soldiers, 400 musicians, and 200 horses marching from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade. This tradition, over 260 years old, celebrates the official birthday of the British sovereign. Interestingly, King Charles’s actual birthday is in November, a commonality he shares with King George II, who began this tradition in 1748.
The Weather Takes a Turn
Despite the festive atmosphere, the weather took a turn for the worse as the event concluded. Heavy rain and gusts of wind challenged the spectators, many struggling with their umbrellas. Still, the spirits remained high, and the crowd eagerly awaited the royal family’s return to the palace.
Kate’s appearance was a significant highlight. Reine Geldenhuys, a 41-year-old spectator, expressed excitement at seeing Kate again. “We’ve been missing seeing her out in public, so we’re here for her mostly,” she told CNN.
King Charles, at 75, is undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer. His medical team has noted positive progress, allowing him to resume some public duties since April. However, each engagement is carefully reviewed and adapted to his health needs. On Saturday, he conducted the troop review from an Ascot landau carriage, accompanied by Queen Camilla.
Royal Family’s Support and Participation
Adding to the day’s events, three British Army horses, which had bolted in London in April, returned to duty for the birthday parade. The remaining two horses are on a summer break in the Chilterns and will return to service later.
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