CatherinePrincess of Wales, made her first public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year during Trooping the Color 2024, a parade celebrating the British monarch’s official birthday.
Before the event, which took place on Saturday, many wondered whether the former Kate Middleton would be in attendance, as she had not made an official public appearance since December 2023. The day before, however, the princess posted a rare statement updating fans on her treatment, which includes chemotherapy, and confirmed she would be in attendance.
Ever since Kate was seen at the parade, there has been a lot of speculation about how the day affected her health and how much effort the royal family must have gone to to have her there. She looked poised and chic as always in a black and white Jenny Packham dress, one of her favorite brands, and a white hat. Behind-the-scenes footage showed her smiling and playing with her children.
She also continued the royal tradition of waving to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace alongside her husband Prince William, their children and her in-laws King Charles II and Queen Camilla.
In her statement on Friday, Catherine said she had made “good progress” in her treatment and had a few months of chemotherapy left, but stressed she was “not out of the woods yet”.
Kate first revealed she was diagnosed with cancer in March. Prior to Friday’s statement, she had not spoken publicly about her diagnosis or treatment since her initial announcement.
Kate Middleton at Trooping the Color 2024
Kate attended Trooping the Color alongside William and their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9 and Prince Louis6. They arrived in a horse-drawn carriage in the shopping center and greeted the public from the balcony, as is tradition.
The future king and queen’s official Instagram account shared a few moments from the day, including Catherine adjusting her daughter’s hair and Louis waving through the windows of one of the cars.
The news that Kate would attend Trooping the Color surprised many royal watchers, as she skipped the rehearsal for that event, an event known as the Colonel’s Review, on June 8.
Confirming her attendance, Kate was quick to announce that she had not yet officially returned to royal duties, writing that she hoped to “participate in a few public engagements over the summer” but noting that she was “not out of the woods yet”.
Before Trooping the Color, the princess had not made any royal appearances since her family’s annual Christmas church outing in 2023 – although last month she took time to review a report from an initiative she is involved in, the Royal Early Years Foundation working group,” a senior palace official confirmed.
She occasionally works from home, including some meetings when she is feeling well enough.
Kate Middleton shares new photo
Accompanying Friday’s statement, the palace released a new photo of the princess. In the photo, she is wearing jeans and a light brown blazer and looks pensive while standing against a tree.
The day after the statement was released, the princess was photographed several times during Trooping the Color 2024.
Kate Middleton gives an update on her health
In her statement shared Friday, the princess thanked people for “all the kind messages of support and encouragement” she has received since March.
“I’m making good progress, but as anyone who goes through chemotherapy knows, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days, you feel weak, tired and you need to let your body rest. But on good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling good,” she said.
His treatment is “ongoing” and will continue for “a few more months,” she said.
“On days when I feel quite well, it is a joy to participate in school life, to dedicate personal time to the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as to start doing a little work at home,” said the princess.
In conclusion, the princess said she was “learning to be patient, especially in the face of uncertainty.”
“Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me,” she said.
Read Princess Kate’s full statement on her health
A WRITTEN MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCESS OF WALES
I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the past few months. It really made all the difference to William and I and helped us both get through some of the more difficult times.
I’m making good progress, but as anyone who goes through chemotherapy knows, there are good days and bad days. On these bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to resting your body. But on good days, when we feel stronger, we want to make the most of well-being.
My treatment is ongoing and will last a few more months. On days when I feel quite well, it is a joy to participate in school life, dedicate personal time to things that give me energy and positivity, as well as start doing a little work at home.
I’m looking forward to attending the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to take part in a few public engagements over the summer, but I also know that I’m not out of the drink.
I am learning to be patient, especially in the face of uncertainty. Take each day as it comes, listen to my body and allow myself to take this much needed time to heal.
Thank you so much for your continued understanding and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.
What type of cancer does Kate Middleton have?
Kate Middleton has not shared the type of cancer she was diagnosed with. The cancer was discovered after she underwent planned abdominal surgery in January.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com