Princess Kate smiled as she made her first public appearance in months with Prince William and her children by her side.
The princess smiled from ear to ear as she waved to the crowd gathered at the mall to see her.
Just hours earlier, on Friday evening (local time), Kate had personally confirmed growing speculation that she would take her place alongside the royal family in the annual Trooping the Color parade, months after virtually disappearing following her cancer diagnosis. .
In her remarkably candid statement, Kate detailed her journey so far and her plans for a cautious re-entry into public life.
“I have been overwhelmed by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last few months. It really made a big difference to William and me and helped us through some of the most difficult times,” Kate wrote.
“I’m making good progress, but as anyone undergoing chemotherapy knows, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and have to give in to resting your body. But on good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of the feeling of well-being.”
“I’m looking forward to taking part in the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hoping to take part in some public engagements over the summer, but also knowing that I’m not out of the woods yet.
“I’m learning 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.”
Trooping the Color is among the highest-profile entries in the royal calendar and has been performed in celebration of the British monarch’s birthday for more than 260 years.
The ceremonial parade includes more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians in a grand display of military fanfare.
Despite initial fears, it was confirmed earlier this year that King Charles, who is undergoing his own cancer treatment, would be able to attend – although he traveled by carriage rather than the traditional horse.
However, rumors swirled ahead of Saturday’s parade about whether the Princess of Wales might appear alongside the royal family in some capacity, marking her first official engagement in more than six months as she continues her cancer treatment.
The Royal, 42, looked stunning dressed in white as she arrived at Trooping the Color Wills, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis.
She could be seen laughing and chatting with her family as they waved and smiled at their adoring fans.
The family toured the Mall in The Glass Coach, closely following the King and Queen Camilla.
Princess Anne also had a starring role today – who had a touching bond with her brother.
Prince William, who looked dapper in his red Irish Guards uniform, proudly displaying medals on his chest, also smiled at the crowd.
It is the first time the princess has been seen at a royal event since Christmas Day.
She and Wills sat on either side of Prince George as their car pulled into Buckingham Palace this morning.
Thousands of fans began lining the streets this morning to see her this morning.
Well-wishers held Union Jacks high as they squeezed along the Mall – wearing crowns and fascinators atop their heads.
The streets were colored red, white and blue as fans waited patiently to catch a glimpse of the Princess of Wales.
More than 30 aircraft took off today as part of the celebrations – with the RAF Red Arrows paying a moving tribute to a fallen officer.
Kate announced on Friday that she would return to the public eye for the Monarch’s birthday celebrations after months of cancer treatment.
The brave royal said she would ride in a carriage with her children and watch the parade with the king, heir and other royals from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Royal fans began queuing up in the streets this morning as security searched the area.
Cardboard cutouts of Kate and the King were held up by well-wishers – some of whom were dressed to the nines.
Some fans proudly wore plastic crowns atop their heads, while others dressed in blue, red and white.
Many donned raincoats and held umbrellas as they braved a humid day.
Jane Ing said she traveled from Yorkshire with her husband and a friend to watch the procession down the Mall.
The 61-year-old said: “The ceremony is part of our heritage.
“It is an iconic parade and display of our royal family that we should be proud of and support.”
Jane added that it was “lovely” that Princess Kate was there.
Proud husband Wills said yesterday he was “pleased” with Kate’s return to work and the projects that “are important to her”.
A spokesperson for the Heir said: “The Prince is pleased to see the Princess starting to get involved with the work and projects that are important to her.
“He will continue to focus his time on supporting his wife and children while continuing to fulfill his public duties.”
Charles was also “delighted” that his daughter-in-law made her return on her big day.
The Monarch said: “Her Majesty is very pleased that the Princess will be able to take part in tomorrow’s events and is looking forward to all elements of the day.”
The mother of three has not been seen with the royal family since Christmas Day last year at Sandringham.
She was taken to hospital for planned abdominal surgery in January and spent 13 nights at the London Clinic before continuing her recovery at home with her family.
Days later, Kate bravely released a video revealing “post-op tests found cancer was present” and that she had started preventative cancer treatment.
The Princess said the diagnosis was a “huge shock” – but vowed: “I’m fine and getting stronger every day.”
Ahead of Trooping the Color today, she said: “I have been overwhelmed by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last few months.
“It really made a big difference to William and me and helped us through some of the most difficult times.
“I’m making good progress, but as anyone undergoing chemotherapy knows, there are good days and bad days.
“On those bad days you feel weak, tired and have to give in
your body resting.
“But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of the good feeling.”
Kate also shared how her treatment is “ongoing and will last for a few more months”, as she revealed she is “not out of the woods yet”.
But she said how it is a “joy” for her to still be involved in school life and dedicate time “to the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do some work at home”.
She added: “I’m looking forward to taking part in the King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hoping to take part in some public engagements over the summer, but also knowing that I’m not out of the woods yet.
“I’m learning 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 bravely shared your stories with me.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was “wonderful, wonderful news” that Princess Kate would take part in the Color Troops.
Speaking in Italy, he said his statement was “courageous, honest and I am sure it will bring enormous comfort” to many others “struggling” with similar illnesses.
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