Kate Middleton returns to public life at Trooping the Colour amid cancer battle

Princess of Wales shines in a white coat dress at the royal event, marking her first public appearance since March.

Kate Middleton made her return to public life with an appearance at Trooping the Colour.

The Princess of Wales, dressed in a white coat dress with black detailing and a matching fascinator, rode in a ceremonial carriage alongside her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. This marked her first public appearance since receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

Kate, 42, announced her plans to attend the event late on June 14, bringing joy to royal fans. As her husband, Prince William, participated in his role as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Kate and her children processed from Buckingham Palace down the Mall to Horse Guards Parade. King Charles III took the salute at the parade, which featured an extraordinary display of military precision.

At Horse Guards Parade, Kate and Queen Camilla watched the event from beneath a canopy. Kate's outfit included a white coat dress with a black and white striped bow, a diamond brooch, and Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore Pearl Stud Earrings, previously worn at Prince Louis' christening.

In a letter released on Friday, Kate shared a personal update: "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 equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet."

First photographs of the Princess of Wales at her first official public engagement of 2024.
Kate travelled in a carriage with George, Charlotte and Louis for Trooping the Colour.
King Charles and Queen Camilla rode ahead of them 👑 💂🏼‍♀️ 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/lxbaVvjpTh

— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) June 15, 2024

Trooping the Colour marks the first public appearance the Princess of Wales has made since she shared her cancer diagnosis with the world back in March. 

Trooping the Colour is an annual event that marks the official birthday of the British Sovereign. It has been a tradition since the 17th century and involves over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians. The parade moves from Buckingham Palace down the Mall to Horse Guards Parade, followed by a Royal Air Force fly-past, observed by members of the Royal Family from the palace balcony.