‘Weeks of planning’: Inside Kate’s big comeback

It was the moment millions had waited for – and insiders have now lifted the lid on how it all rolled out behind palace doors.

IN LONDON

The Princess of Wales’ long-awaited return to the spotlight was reportedly still up in the air right up until the eleventh hour.

Kate’s re-emergence, six months after her last official appearance and while she continues undergoing treatment for cancer, saw her greeted with a huge roar of approval from crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour on Saturday.

Travelling alongside her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 5, she beamed as she waved back to onlookers.

Kate appeared to breeze happily through the almost three-hour engagement, which culminated in the traditional palace balcony photo op during the fly-past – but according to royal insiders, it had “weeks of planning” and effort behind it.

Kate joined her family, including daughter Charlotte, on the palace balcony. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Earlier, onlookers had erupted in cheers as she travelled past in a carriage. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

The UK’s Telegraph reports that while “preparations had been made in private”, Kate’s decision to take part in the event only came after she had judged whether she “had enough energy”.

News of her involvement was only made public on the eve of Trooping, Friday night, local time, and in her personal statement, Kate detailed the “good days” and “bad days” she’d been experiencing.

“We don’t deal in ‘what ifs’,” a palace source told the Telegraph of the late confirmation.

The insider also told the publication that Kate’s decision had also reflected her “huge amount of pride in the Irish Guards,” of which she is Colonel, as well as her desire to be alongside her family.

She and William were seen beaming at each other. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Despite initial fears, it was confirmed earlier this year that King Charles, who has been undergoing his own treatment for cancer, would be able to attend – although he travelled by carriage rather than the traditional horseback.

While there have been whispers in the past claiming the King is frustrated when he is overshadowed by other royals, there was no sign of it as he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his beloved daughter-in-law on the palace balcony.

Kate was positioned alongside the King. Picture: Benjamin Cremel/AFP

As with every moment one or more royals is on display, every detail has always been carefully mapped out – and the decision to have Kate standing alongside the King, rather than Prince William next to his father, sent a powerful message of unity.

It’s not been made clear exactly when Kate will next appear in public, although according to the UK’s Times, she has already been ruled out of her usual attendance at this week’s Royal Ascot racing carnival.

However, it’s possible she will take part in next month’s Japanese state visit or her much-loved Wimbledon, pending her condition at the time.

It’s not yet clear when we will next see her out in public. Picture: Justin Tallis/AFP

In Kate’s remarkably candid statement, released on Friday night, she detailed her plans for a cautious re-entry into public life.

“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 wrote.

“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.”

“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.

“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.”

Originally published as ‘Weeks of planning’: Inside Kate’s big comeback