Beaming Kate makes first public appearance since cancer diagnosis for King’s birthday

The Princess of Wales laughed and waved as she made her first public appearance in months alongside Prince William and their kids.

IN LONDON

The Princess of Wales has been greeted with a roar from the crowd as she made her long-awaited comeback to public life for this year’s Trooping the Colour parade.

Kate, who last appeared publicly in an official capacity on Christmas Day, joined her husband, Prince William, and their three children for the military parade, which is held every June in honour of the sovereign’s birthday.

She was seen smiling from ear-to-ear at the thousands of people lining The Mall, the road leading up to Buckingham Palace, as she travelled in The Glass Coach with Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.

Just hours earlier, on Friday night (local time), and amid growing speculation, Kate personally confirmed in a statement that she would join the royal family at the annual Trooping the Colour, months after virtually disappearing following her cancer diagnosis.

The Princess of Wales during Trooping the Colour in London. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

For her big return to the spotlight, Kate, 42, looked typically stylish in a Philip Treacy hat and white Jenny Packham dress with black trim and ribbon embellishment on the neckline. The outfit was an upcycled version of the simple white and black dress that she wore last year on the eve of the coronation.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is making a tentative return to public life for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer, attending the Trooping the Colour military parade in central London. Picture: AFP

THe British royal family wave from the balcony during Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

Thousands of fans lined the streets from early Saturday morning - some having even camped out from the night before - in order to catch a glimpse of the royal procession.

Kate’s last-minute addition to the roster saw excitement reaching fever pitch among the huge crowd of royal watchers.

Some fans camped overnight - and went all-out with their outfits. Picture: Bronte Coy

The Royal carriage on the Mall during Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

King Charles III during Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Picture: John Phillips/Getty Images.

Trooping the Colour is among the most high-profile entries on the royal calendar, and has been performed in celebration of the British monarch’s birthday for over 260 years.

The ceremonial parade includes more than 1400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians in a grand display of military fanfare.

At one point, the skies opened, with heavy rain and fierce wind lashing the masses and putting a (brief) dampener on proceedings.

Heavy rain hit during the parade. Picture: Bronte Coy

Umbrellas went up all down The Mall. Picture: Bronte Coy

The event was also attended by a large group of anti-monarchy protestors, who have made their presence known at most significant royal occasions in recent years.

Republic, the group which advocates for the abolition of the monarchy, brought their trademark huge, yellow flags and donned yellow clothing as they took up a prime position outside Buckingham Palace.

At regular intervals throughout the morning, they were heard chanting: “Down with the King!”

Republic activists are becoming a familiar fixture at royal events. Picture: Bronte Coy

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.

King Charles during Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade. Picture: John Phillips/Getty Images

Prince Louis of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales during Trooping the Colour. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

The event marked Kate’s first official engagement in more than six months as she continues her cancer treatment.

However, rumours had been rife in the lead-up to Saturday’s parade about whether the Princess of Wales may appear alongside the royal family in any capacity until her appearance was confirmed the day before.

In her remarkably candid statement released on Friday, Kate detailed her cancer journey so far, and 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,” Kate wrote.

The Princess of Wales revealed she had been undergoing treatment for cancer.

“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.”