By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Princess Kate Returns for Trooping the Colour Amid Cancer Treatment
Princess Kate has made her first public appearance in five months, following her cancer diagnosis, by attending Trooping the Colour, a ceremonial celebration of King Charles III's birthday. Despite King Charles's actual birthday being on November 14, the event was held this past Saturday.
Arriving in a carriage with her three children Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 9; and Prince Louis, 6 Princess Kate captivated onlookers in a chic white fitted dress adorned with an oversized black and white ribbon. She completed her ensemble with a matching hat, white heels, pearl earrings, a brooch, and a structured black clutch. From a window overlooking the parade ground, she watched the ceremony and shared moments with her children. She smiled and waved to the welcoming crowds when she returned to the carriage at the event's end.
In her statement, Princess Kate, 42, provided an update on her health, noting that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy since her cancer diagnosis in March. She clarified that her appearance at Trooping the Colour does not signal a full return to royal duties, as her treatment is ongoing. "I am starting to do a little work from home," she wrote. "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."
Kate also expressed her optimism about her progress but acknowledged that she is "not out of the woods." She looked forward to attending the parade and hopes to participate in a few public engagements over the summer.
Princess Kate had previously spent two weeks in the hospital in January after major abdominal surgery and confirmed her cancer diagnosis in a March video message, following weeks of speculation and rumors.
The Trooping the Colour event also featured a display of unity by the British Royal Family. King Charles III and Queen Camilla waved to supporters from the balcony, accompanied by their grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, along with their parents, Prince William and Princess Kate. This marked the first public appearance of Princess Kate and King Charles together since their respective health announcements.
Parade attendees expressed their excitement about Princess Kate's return. John Loughrey, an onlooker wearing a T shirt with pictures of Kate, commented, "I know it's the king's birthday, but all eyes will be on Kate because we haven't seen her for a while." Another attendee, Anne Gaely, who carried a life size cardboard cutout of the princess, shared her relief at seeing Kate in person. "We've all been very, very worried and uneasy about it, but now this is going to be joyful, euphoric, and fabulous," she said.