Today, the Princess of Wales made a triumphant return to public life amid her ongoing cancer treatment, joining the Royal Family to celebrate the King’s official birthday. Kate, accompanied by her three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—beamed and waved as they were cheered by crowds along The Mall during the carriage procession for the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
The Princess of Wales at today’s Trooping The Colour Ceremony 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/7pNwztJGT8
— Chris Jackson (@ChrisJack_Getty) June 15, 2024
Having spent much of the year coping with her diagnosis and receiving chemotherapy, the future queen appeared relaxed as she traveled with her family in the glass state coach along one of London’s most famous thoroughfares. Her participation had been uncertain after she missed the final rehearsal last weekend, with confirmation coming only at 6pm yesterday.
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With the King also battling cancer, the display of military pomp and pageantry served as a powerful symbol of the monarchy’s resilience amid uncertainty.
Kate was joined by other family members, including her husband, Prince William, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, who rode on horseback. Princess Anne, Colonel of the Blues and Royals, and Prince Edward, Colonel of the Scots Guards, also participated. Earlier in the day, the family was seen arriving at Buckingham Palace by car at 10am, with George sitting between Kate and Prince William, and Charlotte and Louis seated opposite.
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At 1pm, Kate is scheduled to appear on Buckingham Palace’s balcony for the RAF flypast, alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, her husband, and other Royal Family members.
A substantial policing operation by Scotland Yard ensured the safety and security of the event, with anti-monarchy group Republic permitted to protest but prohibited from using amplified sound. Hundreds of Metropolitan Police officers were deployed along the ceremonial route, with tens of thousands of spectators gathered.
King Charles III, also affected by illness, rode in a carriage with Queen Camilla—a change from last year. He inspected the officers and guardsmen on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall from the coach instead of on horseback.