Kate Middleton’s public appearance at Trooping the Colour has been the most positive news for the royal family this year, following challenging months that included cancer treatments for both her and King Charles.
Her presence on the Buckingham Palace balcony, accompanied by her family, garnered praise from experts for her appearance and outfit, despite differing opinions on her choice of color. She looked healthy and happy, with a body language expert noting she seemed to have a different agenda than simply being the center of attention.
Since she disclosed her cancer diagnosis, many have wondered when she would return to her royal duties. According to the Palace, her appearance at the significant event celebrating King Charles’ official birthday does not indicate that Kate is ready to resume regular royal engagements, as she is still receiving treatment and needs to rest.
In a post she shared on Instagram a day before Trooping the Colour, the princess explained that she has good and bad days. "On those bad days, you feel weak, tired, and you have to give in to your body's need for rest. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well," she wrote.
"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 I also know I am not out of the woods yet," Kate added.
"I am learning to be patient, especially with uncertainty. I am taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself 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," she concluded.
Princess Catherine of Wales looks down as she departs Buckingham Palace in a Glass Coach to attend Trooping the Colour in London on June 15, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
During her first public appearance in months, Kate also fulfilled her role as a mother, directing her children on how to behave. They all performed admirably.
“The King had a good muster of the Royal Family, minus, of course, Prince Harry and Prince Andrew. But he won’t mind; it was his day. The star of the show was the Princess of Wales,” royal expert Michael Cole told GB News.
“Such dignity, such elegance, such stoicism and steadfastness, bearing the burden she’s bearing, bringing up her children so brilliantly,” he continued. “Being a princess, a wife, a public figure, and the most popular member of the Royal Family.”
Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, receives a hug from a little girl during a Maori welcome at Dunedin airport in Dunedin on April 13, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Speaking of her decision to participate in the King’s celebration, Cole said that although doctors played a significant role in her decision, Kate ultimately had the final say.
“The doctors would have been paramount in this decision. She would have taken very, very careful advice from the physicians to see whether she could do it,” Cole told GB News.
“I thought at best she would make an appearance on the balcony. The fact is she’s been sitting there for the whole event, which is nearly two hours, and she looks great. I’m quite sure the crowds think it well worth their while, despite many only getting a glimpse of her.”
“They’ve been as upfront as they possibly want to be, ensuring everyone else suffering similarly is included.”
Trooping the Colour is a beloved tradition started in 1748 by King George II. As this day celebrated the head of the monarchy, Kate ensured she wasn’t the center of attention, letting King Charles be the most important person on the day marking his official birthday.
Body language expert Judi James spoke to The Sun, explaining, “In a tradition created by her husband’s granny, Kate’s body language here showed the world what being a royal is all about: elegant, calm, and stoic with not one smallest jot of self-pity or drama.”
James added, “Kate’s non-verbal messages seem to signal a smiling determination to reassure the public and her own children and to get on with the job. She made it clear in her written message that this is a step towards a return, not the start of it, but even from the glimpses of her in the carriage, her upright back and signature smile showed a desire to show resilience and poise.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, smiles as she travels by carriage during Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace in London, England, on June 15, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Regarding her choice of outfit, James believes Kate chose it to avoid drawing too much attention to herself.
“There was a hint of discretion or maybe a desire not to upstage in the way Kate’s hat brim was tilted to partially hide her face in the carriage, but there were some smiles and conversations with her three children,” she said.
“Her wave to the crowd involved closed rather than spread fingers and was a quick, subtle movement of acknowledgment, again suggesting a desire to avoid stealing the attention on the celebration of the King’s birthday.”
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