Catherine, Britain’s Princess of Wales, made a tentative return to public life on Saturday for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer. She attended the Trooping the Colour military parade in central London.
Kate, as she is widely known, had not been seen at a public engagement since a Christmas Day service in December last year. She revealed in March that she was receiving chemotherapy.
In a statement on Friday, the 42-year-old princess mentioned that she was “making good progress” with her treatment but was “not out of the woods yet”. She also stated that the treatment is expected to continue for several more months.
Kate expressed her excitement about attending the King’s Birthday Parade with her family over the weekend and hoped to participate in more public engagements over the summer.
She arrived at Buckingham Palace on Saturday morning with her husband William and their children before the parade.
Her announcement about having cancer came shortly after her father-in-law, King Charles III, was also diagnosed with the condition. Neither have disclosed the type of cancer they have.
Charles, the British head of state, resumed public duties in April after showing positive progress in his treatment. His first engagement was at a London cancer treatment centre.
Despite Charles’ participation in commemoration events, he will inspect troops from a carriage at Trooping the Colour this year, as opposed to on horseback like in previous years. His son and heir, William, will be on horseback instead.
Spectators at the parade welcomed Kate’s return to public appearances and described her presence as reassuring due to her status as the future queen.
It is emphasized that Kate’s appearances will depend on her treatment and recovery. She mentioned having both good and bad days and taking each day as it comes.
During the parade, Kate is expected to travel with her children in a state carriage down The Mall before returning to Buckingham Palace for a balcony appearance.
The event, which marks the British sovereign’s official birthday, is a traditional military ceremony that dates back over two centuries.
This year’s ceremony will also include heightened security measures due to protests from anti-monarchy groups, such as Republic. The Metropolitan Police will be ensuring public safety and avoiding disruption during the parade.
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