The Princess of Wales hasn’t been seen since Christmas Day, as she undergoes chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer.
The Princess of Wales beams in a stunning white dress and matching hat as she makes her first public appearance this year at today’s Trooping the Colour.
Kate is sat in the Glass State Coach with her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, as they head from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade to celebrate the King’s birthday.
She’s wearing a white dress with black trim detail by Jenny Packham and a hat by Philip Treacy. Charlotte is matching the look with a white bow in her hair.
It marks her first public appearance this year, as she last stepped out on Christmas Day. She had to take a step back from public duties following major abdominal surgery in January and her subsequent cancer diagnosis.
Her attendance had been in doubt, as Kate has kept a low-profile since bravely telling the world that she had been diagnosed with cancer, but last night she shared a deeply moving personal statement where she confirmed her attendance.
Kate revealed she has “good days and bad days” undergoing gruelling chemotherapy for cancer but acknowledges she’s “not out of the woods yet”.
Kate, who bravely revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, explains the treatment can leave her feeling “weak and tired” on occasions. But when she is well enough she can focus on the things that give her joy and reveals she has started “to do a little work from home”.
While she will not be returning to duties full-time, Kate does now feel well enough to undertake a small number of public engagements this summer.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” she says. “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.”