I was surprised to see Kate in the carriage – but when I saw her with her family it all made sense, says royal expert
A ROYAL expert has said she was surprised to see Princess Kate in the royal carriage for Trooping the Colour but it all made sense when she was seen with her family.
The Princess of Wales, 42, made a stunning return to royal duties when she appeared at Trooping the Colour, marking King Charles’ official birthday.
It is understood her appearance does not herald a return to front-line public duty or an end to Kate’s cancer issues.
However, it is a positive step in the right direction after the mum began treatment at the end of February.
Hello’s royal editor Emily Nash told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show: “It was surprising to see how much she participated in the carriage procession because they’re not particularly enjoyable experiences.”
But, chatting to The Sun’s royal editor Matt Wilkinson, she added: “Seeing her with her children made it all become clear.
“We’ve heard this from the very start, the way she made her announcement of the cancer diagnosis was all focused around her children and their well-being.
“Once you saw her in the carriage with them, it all made sense.
“In many ways this was the perfect way for her to reappear because she was at the heart of the family.”
Matt admitted he was quite surprised at the announcement Kate would be attending the annual ceremonial parade, adding it’s “such a big deal”
He added though: “Perhaps that was the point. The whole world got to see the Princess of Wales, rather than just a few people.”
Emily said: “Let’s not forget there has been some pretty crazy rumours and speculation on social media surround other videos and photographs.
“You couldn’t really argue when she’s there in the flesh, being driven down The Mall.”
The appearance was Kate’s first with the Royal Family since Christmas Day last year at Sandringham.
Kate went to hospital for abdominal surgery in January and spent 13 nights at the London Clinic before continuing her recovery at home with her family.
Days later, she released a video revealing “tests after the operation found cancer had been present” and that she had started treatment.
Kate’s appearance at the royal event was met with huge cheers from adoring fans.
It was the first time Princess Kate had attended a royal event since she and Charles were diagnosed with cancer.
Kate's mesage in full
Kate Middleton issued a statement the day before Trooping the Colour
Kate said: “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.”
The pair stood tall at each other’s sides this afternoon, waving to thousands of well-wishers who braved the wet weather to get a glimpse of them.
The day had been plagued by rain but downpours couldn’t dampen Kate’s shine as she beamed alongside Prince William and their children.
Fans watched on in awe as the Princess joked and laughed with Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis.
What is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping the Colour or ‘The King’s Birthday Parade’ is a military ceremony which dates back to the early eighteenth century or earlier, when the colours (flags) of the battalion were carried (or ‘trooped’) down the ranks so that they could be seen and recognised by the soldiers.
Since 1748, this parade has also marked the Sovereign’s official birthday.
The honour to Troop their Colour rotates through the five regiments of Foot Guards, and this year it lies with Number 9 Company Irish Guards.
The Irish Guards were raised by Queen Victoria in 1900 and have provided almost 125 years of service to the nation.
This year marks the second Trooping the Colour of His Majesty’s reign.
The King attended his first Trooping the Colour in 1951, aged three, riding in a carriage with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and aunt, Princess Margaret. The King first rode in the parade as Colonel of the Welsh Guards in 1975.