Kate Middleton steps out in public for first time in half a year since disease diagnosis

It’s been half a year in the making, but Kate Middleton returned to the public eye this weekend after taking part in the Royal Family’s annual Trooping the Colour ceremony.

The princess has been largely out of action since her shock cancer diagnosis in January following what was termed at the time a planned abdominal procedure. Much and more has been said about the 42-year-old’s condition, though official updates have been virtually non-existent since the video she released to inform the world of her diagnosis.

Indeed, it has even been speculated that Kate would remain firmly in the recovery phase – and, as a result, would not be appearing at any royal engagements or events – for the rest of the year. Yet there was a definite buzz ahead of the this past weekend’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, and late last week it was confirmed she would be in attendance.

In an inspiring display of resilience, Kate accompanied her husband, Prince William, and the couple’s three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, for her first royal event of 2024.

Trooping the Colour, a royal tradition since 1748, sees over 1,500 soldiers and 300 horses take to the streets of London in a grand parade.

Kate dressed elegantly for the occasion in a slim white dress accented by navy blue at the neck and waist. Despite the ongoing preventative chemotherapy she is receiving to combat her cancer, the Princess looked nothing short of radiant at the event, and her presence will surely buoy those royal fans who have harbored concern for her these past few months.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 15: Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales during Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial parade celebrating the official birthday of the British Monarch. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums march and perform in perfect harmony. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)

According to The Independent, Kate appeared in good spirits, joking with King Charles as she and the rest of the most senior members of the Royal Family took to the Buckingham Palace to watch a traditional flypast.

When she emerged behind Charles and Camilla, onlookers cheered and whistled before watching the flypast composed of Red Arrows.

As stated, Kate’s involvement at the Trooping the Colour event was in doubt right up until Friday afternoon, with conflicting reports going back-and-forth over whether or not she would be in attendance.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 15: Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales during Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial parade celebrating the official birthday of the British Monarch. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums march and perform in perfect harmony. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Remember, sightings of Kate have been few and very far between since January, and the topic of her health hasn’t really been addressed by official sources since the candid video she released in March to inform the world that she had cancer.

Two days ago, the Princess of Wales gave a timely update on Instagram to confirm she would be attending Trooping the Colour, as well as giving royal fans hope that they might see her at a number of other events over the course of the summer.

“I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times,” Kate wrote.

I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.

My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.

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.

I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take 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.“

Here’s to wishing the Princess of Wales well with her continued recovery. Didn’t she look fantastic at the weekend?