The second Saturday in June signifies a major event in the royal calendar—Trooping The Colour.
I arrived at the Mall at 7:00 AM on the morning of June 15, expecting the usual crowds of royal watchers in prime spots opposite Buckingham Palace. However, I was unprepared for the inclement weather that turned my umbrella inside out and soaked my shoes.
Despite the gray skies, the event was particularly significant as it marked Princess Kate's first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis in March. The eager crowds and I were in high spirits.
The anticipation grew as policemen and military personnel took their positions, accompanied by the charming sight of a shaggy dog leading the Irish Guards.
Soon, the distant sound of a bass drum signaled the approach of the royals. Fans warmed up their vocal cords with renditions of 'God Save the King' and cheers, just before King Charles and Queen Camilla passed by in their carriage.
Princess Kate followed closely with Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Wales family made their way up the Mall.
Princess Charlotte, resembling her mother closely, waved energetically alongside her, both beaming for the crowd. It was clear that everyone was delighted to see Kate's return.
A royal event wouldn't be complete without a royal downpour. Much like the King's Coronation last May, the weather was uncooperative, despite it being mid-summer. Yet, the spirits of the crowd remained undampened.
As soon as the barriers were opened after the carriage procession, people eagerly splashed through puddles to catch a glimpse of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Seeing Kate, looking immaculate in a black and white ensemble, alongside the stunning Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in lemon, and the enthusiastic royal children waving excitedly, was a heartwarming sight.
Prince Louis entertained the crowd with his usual antics, showcasing his dance moves and continuous waving, even when his siblings stopped. It was a refreshing return to normalcy after months of uncertainty.
Listening to the crowd's reactions, the focus was overwhelmingly on Princess Kate.
“We are just so thrilled that Princess Kate was back, and she just looked amazing,” said Helen Critcher, who attended with her sister Cathy Bothuys.
Cathy added, “Yes, it was so nice to see her and the children. We saw the children waving; it was so lovely. We came down for the Jubilee and saw her then as well. She looked well, picture-perfect.”
Meanwhile, Neil, dressed in a Union Jack suit and matching trilby, said, “I am a big royal fan.
My favorite part of the day was seeing Princess Kate out for the first time; she looked absolutely beautiful. I didn’t get a chance to see her on the balcony, but I saw her in the carriage with her children. It was the absolute highlight of my day.”
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