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

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.

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."

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.