The Princess of Wales made a remarkable appearance at King Charles’ birthday parade on June 15, her first public event in six months following her announcement of undergoing cancer treatment.
Kate Middleton’s fashion choice at Trooping the Colour highlighted her commitment to sustainability and style. The 42-year-old princess graced the event in a white Jenny Packham dress featuring black trim and elegant ribbon embellishments on the neckline. While it appeared brand new, it was actually an updated version of an outfit she wore last year on the eve of King Charles’ coronation. The dress was revamped with a fresh neckline and new details at the waist, demonstrating a clever way to upcycle and reuse.
In a stylish updo beneath a white hat by Philip Treacy, Kate accessorized with her Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore Pearl Studs and the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch, reflecting her honorary role as the regiment’s colonel.
Kate arrived at the event via the Glass Coach with her children, Prince George (10), Princess Charlotte (9), and Prince Louis (6). Later, she joined the rest of the royal family on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
For last year’s celebration, Kate turned heads in a vibrant green dress by Andrew Gn, complemented by a matching Philip Treacy hat. This outfit was interpreted as a tribute to Singapore, the location of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize awards.
Since her marriage to Prince William in 2011, Kate has consistently attended Trooping the Colour, except during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. This iconic annual event, organized by the Household Division of the British Army, celebrates the British monarch’s birthday with grandeur and splendor.
Kate confirmed her attendance a day before the event through a personal letter, sharing updates about her ongoing cancer treatment. She expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the birthday parade and other public engagements over the summer while acknowledging her ongoing health battles.
In her letter dated June 14, 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 equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.”
This marked her first royal engagement since the family’s traditional Christmas church visit in December. However, she clarified that it would not signify a full return to royal duties, emphasizing her reliance on her medical team’s guidance.
Recognizing the unpredictable nature of chemotherapy, she shared, “There are good days and bad days. On those bad days, you feel weak and tired, but on the good days, you make the most of feeling well.”
Kate also mentioned her joy in engaging with school life and pursuing activities that bring her energy and positivity on her good days, including some work from home.
The Trooping the Colour event saw hundreds of soldiers, horses, and musicians participate, maintaining a long-standing tradition since 1748, held regardless of the monarch’s actual birthdate for the best possible weather conditions.
Notably, this year King Charles, 75, partook in a different manner due to his own health issues. Instead of riding horseback, he conducted the review from a carriage alongside Queen Camilla.
Only one flag, or “colour,” is trooped at a time, with the five regiments of the Foot Guards rotating annually. This year, the Irish Guards, with Princess Kate as the honorary colonel, presented their flag. Due to her health, Kate sent a regretful letter expressing her apologies for not leading the Colonel’s Review a week prior to the Trooping event.
In her message dated June 8, she praised the regiment, acknowledging their months of preparation and impeccable drill practices, expressing her deep pride as their colonel.
Signing off as “Colonel Catherine,” Kate conveyed her commitment to representing the regiment in the future, extending her best wishes and good luck to all involved in the event.
