Beaming Kate makes triumphant royal return after cancer battle

The princess made a high-profile appearance at one of the biggest events on the royal calendar, a year after being forced to skip the same event.

IN LONDON

Kate has made a stunning appearance at the Commonwealth Day service in London, marking a welcome return after she was forced to skip last year’s event amid her cancer battle.

The Princess of Wales was dressed all in red, wearing a chic Catherine Walker coat-dress featuring a bow collar, a matching hat by Gina Foster, and stiletto heels.

Kate looked stunning in red as she arrived alongside Prince William. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

She beamed as she arrived at the high-profile event at Westminster Abbey alongside Prince William on Monday afternoon.

The couple was joined by King Charles – who also missed out on the 2024 service due to his own cancer treatment – and Queen Camilla, with the four leading a 2000-strong congregation.

Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also in attendance.

The King and Queen led the congregation with the Prince and Princess of Wales close behind. Picture: Aaron Chown/Pool/AFP

This year’s theme is “Together We Thrive”, which is in celebration of the “enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family”.

The event is one of the most significant on the royal calendar and the absence of the King and Kate last year was keenly felt.

Their comeback comes as the King made history on Monday by becoming the first British monarch to record a podcast, which was released in conjunction with Commonwealth Day.

The King’s Music Room, first announced last week, is a compilation of the King’s favourite songs, which includes Locomotion by Aussie pop star Kylie Minogue, as well as hits by Bob Marley, Grace Jones and contemporary artists Davido and Raye.

The King had also been forced to skip last year’s event following his cancer diagnosis. Picture: Aaron Chown/Pool/AFP

“So this is what I particularly wanted to share – songs which have brought me joy,” the King said in a promotional clip on Friday.

“Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. I know that is also the case for so many others.

“It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places.

“But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits to such a degree, and all the more so when it brings us together in celebration. In other words, it brings us joy.”

Originally published as Beaming Kate makes triumphant royal return after cancer battle