In a poignant and symbolic display of resilience, the Princess of Wales, Catherine, made her first public appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis, joining her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, to watch the Trooping the Colour ceremony from the windows of a major general’s office.
The Princess of Wales, dressed in a pristine white ensemble with navy details, was earlier seen smiling and conversing with her children, who were smartly attired in navy and white, as they arrived at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall in a carriage. Catherine, who holds the esteemed position of the regiment’s colonel, also wore an Irish Guards regimental brooch, further highlighting her connection to the military tradition.
As the royal procession unfolded, King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen riding in a carriage, leading the way for the Princess of Wales and her children, who were enthusiastically cheered by the crowds lining the Mall as they departed Buckingham Palace.
Prior to the event, the Princess of Wales had been photographed arriving at Buckingham Palace by car, preparing to take her place at the historic ceremony.
In a statement released ahead of the event, Catherine expressed her eagerness to join the festivities, stating, “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.”
The princess acknowledged the challenges she has faced, emphasizing the importance of patience and self-care, saying, “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.” She further elaborated on the fluctuating nature of her recovery, noting, “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.”
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson conveyed the King’s delight at the princess’s attendance, stating, “His Majesty is delighted that the princess is able to attend tomorrow’s events and is much looking forward to all elements of the day.”
The Trooping the Colour celebration, a longstanding tradition spanning over 260 years, marked the sovereign’s official birthday. At the event, Number 9 Company, Irish Guards, the regiment that the Princess of Wales represents as colonel, was set to troop the king’s colour. In a letter read to the regiment, the princess, while undergoing chemotherapy, expressed her regret at being unable to take the salute, wishing the Irish Guards well.
In a thoughtful gesture, Lt Gen Sir James Bucknall was appointed to take the salute on the Princess of Wales’s behalf. Additionally, the king, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, opted not to ride on horseback during the ceremony, instead reviewing the parade from an Ascot landau carriage, a tradition he had experienced since the age of three, when he rode in a carriage with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
The grand spectacle involved the assembly of more than 1,250 soldiers and hundreds of Guardsmen on the parade ground, who were inspected by the king from his carriage, accompanied by Camilla, the colonel of the Grenadier Guards. The stands overlooking the parade ground were filled with approximately 8,000 family members and partners of the guardsmen and officers on parade, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.
