by Mick the Ram

The Princess of Wales delighted the watching crowds as she appeared in public for the first time since announcing her battle with cancer back in March at King Charles III’s Trooping the Colour procession.

Her diagnosis followed abdominal surgery at the beginning of a year of health issues for the Royals, with the King himself having his own cancer issue.

She looked happy as she waved alongside her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as they travelled the short distance from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade in a glass carriage.

Ahead of her in an even grander carriage was the King himself, sitting with Queen Camilla. He would normally attend on horseback, but his current health situation meant he was advised against such a move.

The 42-year-old princess had released a statement late on Friday 14 June, in which she spoke of looking forward to the occasion, but admitted that she is still “not out of the woods” and said she has both good and bad days as she continues with her preventative chemotherapy.

The annual military parade is carried out to mark the official birthday of the British Sovereign, an event that’s been taking place for over 250 years. More than 1,400 soldiers and over 200 horses display their wonderful marching skills, followed by an impressive flypast by the RAF.

Cheers for Kate

King Charles was said to be “delighted” that his daughter-in-law was able to join the family for the Trooping the Colour event, and the thousands who lined the half-mile route from Buckingham Palace, down The Mall and onto Horse Guards Parade, definitely agreed with him.

The weather was typical of a British summer, with persistent rain falling throughout the morning, but it could not dampen the pomp and pageantry.

Unfamiliar viewing points

Kate and her children watched the parade from the window at the Duke of Wellington’s former office, overlooking the huge square.

Princess Anne, Prince William and Prince Edward, who were all on horseback in the thick of the event, whilst the King and Queen sat is a sheltered canopy as the troops marched past, with the Irish Guards, a regiment the Princess of Wales represents as Colonel, took the lead.

Encouraging development

It had been assumed that Kate would not be attending and the hope was that she might make an appearance on the Palace balcony at the conclusion of the event.

Therefore, it was a very pleasant surprise when on its eve, she provide an update on he health and gave the great news that she would be participating.

Princess opens up in statement

In a lengthy statement, the Princess of Wales thanked everyone for their “kind messages of support and encouragement” saying they had helped both her and William through some difficult times.

Talking bravely about her chemotherapy, she said: “I am making good progress, but there are good days and bad days.” She told how on the bad days she felt weak and tired, whilst on the better days she really wanted to make the most of feeling well.

Continuing, she clarified: “My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months, but I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty.” She also spoke of the joy she gained from engaging with school life, and suggested that she hoped to join a few public engagements over the summer.

Centuries old event

The actual event of Trooping te Colour, also known as the Birthday Parade, dates back over 250 years and is a gift from the Household Division, which include the Life Guards, Blues and Royals and all five regiments of Foot Guards: the Welsh, Scots, Irish, Coldstream and Grenadiers.

King Charles is Colonel in Chief of all of the regiments and is a veteran of the parades, having attended his first in 1951, aged just three-years-old.

Some of the injured horses take part

There were 242 horses involved in the parade, including three of those who were on the loose in central London back in April, after being spooked and bolting through the streets.

One of the horses, named Tennyson, was part of the King’s escort, whilst two others: Trojan and Vanquish, provided the ceremonial guard for the official entrance to the Palace.

The two horses that were injured, Quaker and Vida – the grey which was seen covered in blood – are still being nurtured back to health by Army vets and the charity, Horse Trust.

Sunshine for the finale

After the parade came to an end, the royal party returned to Buckingham Palace to be greeted by a throng of people, all cheering and enjoying the summer sunshine that finally made an appearance.

Kate looked pleased to be back as she stood with the family on the balcony, as they watched the magnificent flypast above, culminating in the red, white and blue trails from the wonderful Red Arrows display team.