Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended Trooping the Colour 2024 alongside her family, despite her ongoing cancer treatment — her first public appearance since revealing her diagnosis earlier this year.
In a rare statement issued the day before, the former Kate Middleton confirmed she would attend the annual parade, which honors the king's birthday. In the statement, she also updated the public on the progress of her chemotherapy.
At Trooping the Colour, the princess was seen wearing a white Jenny Packham dress with black trim and bow on the neckline, and a white hat. She was pictured standing with her husband, Prince William, and her in-laws, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Back in March, Kate shocked the world when she announced her cancer diagnosis. She said at the time that it was discovered during a "planned abdominal surgery" and that she was in the "early stages" of preventative chemotherapy.
Since then, prior to Friday's statement, Catherine had not spoken publicly about her diagnosis or treatment. She shared Friday that she only has "a few more months" of chemotherapy and continues to navigate "good days and bad days."
Kate Middleton attends Trooping the Colour 2024
Kate attended Trooping the Colour alongside William and their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. They arrived in a carriage down the Mall and waved at the public from the balcony, as is tradition.
The future king and queen's official Instagram account shared some moments from the day, including Catherine adjusting her daughter's hair and Louis waving through the windows of one of the carriages.
The news that Kate would attend Trooping the Colour surprised many royal watchers, as she skipped the rehearsal for it, an event known as the Colonel's Review, on June 8.
However, when confirming her presence, she was quick to share that she's not yet officially returning to her royal duties, writing that she hopes “to join a few public engagements over the summer,” but noting she is “not out of the woods yet.”
Prior to Trooping the Colour, the princess had not made any royal appearances since her family’s annual Christmas church outing in 2023 — though last month she took time to review a report from an initiative she’s involved in, The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, a senior palace aid confirmed.
She has been working from home occasionally, including some meetings when she feels well enough.
Kate Middleton shares new photo
Accompanying her statement, the palace released a new picture of the princess. In the photo, she wears jeans and a tan blazer and looks pensive standing against a tree.
Kate Middleton gives health update
In her statement shared Friday, the princess thanked people for "all the kind messages of support and encouragement" she's received since March.
"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," she said.
Her treatment is "ongoing" and will continue for "a few more months," she said.
“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,” the princess said.
In closing, the princess shared that she is “learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty.”
“Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me,” she said.
Read Princess Kate's full statement about her health
A WRITTEN MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCESS OF WALES
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.
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.
What kind of cancer does Kate Middleton have?
Kate Middleton has not shared what kind of cancer she was diagnosed with. The cancer was discovered after she underwent planned abdominal surgery in January.
