Royal Experts Predict if Kate Middleton Will Uphold This Tradition in June

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, has noticeably stepped back from the limelight after her cancer diagnosis was made public. There’s been talk of her making a comeback to the public, but chances seem slim that she’ll attend the Trooping the Colour this June 15.

For those who might not be familiar, Trooping the Colour is a big deal for the royal family. It’s a ceremony full of tradition, celebrating the Sovereign’s official birthday, where members of the royal family wave to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Last year marked the first Trooping the Colour since King Charles III, who is also battling cancer, started his reign. Kate has attended the ceremony since 2011, But with everything Kate and William have been through lately, especially with Kate’s treatment and all the attention it’s gotten, they’ve had a tough time.

Royal expert Christopher Anderson shared his thoughts on the situation. “This is going to be interesting, isn’t it?” Andersen told Us Weekly, suggesting Kate might make it to the balcony since it seems doable. But [if] she doesn’t, it’s just going to look sad and odd and send the message [that] things are perhaps a little worse than we thought and so we’ll have to wait and see.”

Anderson also pointed out how it would feel if William, who has been making solo appearances in the wake of his wife’s cancer diagnosis, was up there without Kate. “I understand she’s not taking [on appearances] and the only thing that could be required of her [during Trooping the Colour[ is to be on that balcony with the children and William,” Andersen told Us. “If William’s there alone, it’ll be quite a sad moment.”

Anderson thinks the royal family should be more open about what’s going on with Kate. “I think sunlight is the best treatment here…[the palace] really should step up and tell people, at least broadly, what we’re dealing with,” he suggested, hinting that they might be keeping quiet because the situation is more serious than the royal family is letting on. “We’re not being told the details for a reason,” he noted, before adding, “I don’t want to stir things up unnecessarily, but… there are a number of cancers that are more easily handled [successfully] than others.”

With June just around the corner, whether Kate — or King Charles himself, who just returned to public royal responsibilities — will participate in Trooping the Colour is still a big question. The royal family’s balance between public duties and their private challenges is more visible than ever. Whatever Kate decides, it’s clear that she has a lot of people rooting for her recovery and return.

Before you go, click here to see the best photos of the royal family at Trooping the Colour over the years.