People are highlighting the touching gesture King Charles III made towards his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton during the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
The Princess of Wales’ attendance at the King’s birthday events was uncertain due to her ongoing cancer treatment, with Kate only confirming her participation the day before the event.
During the celebrations, Kate was seen in the procession alongside her husband, Prince William, and their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis.
The princess also joined fellow senior members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the annual RAF flyover, where Charles showed his support for her.
During the flyover, Kate stood next to the King, with the pair seen laughing and joking together. This marked a change from last year’s protocol when Prince William stood next to the monarch.
It’s unclear whether the change was intentional, but it could be the King—who is also undergoing treatment for cancer—wanting to ensure Kate felt comfortable in her first public engagement since her diagnosis.
Royal fans were delighted to see the princess back in action, sharing their joy and well-wishes on social media.
“The return of the Princess of Wales! Great to see her big smile as she traveled by carriage at Trooping the Colour with her children,” wrote Royal photographer Samir Hussein.
“It’s so good to see Princess of Wales looking beautiful and elegant as ever. Wishing her the very best of health,” one user wrote, while another added: “Wishing her a return to health and long life.”
Before the celebrations, Kate gave an update on her health and thanked everyone for their support as she continues her treatment.
“I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months,” she said.
“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.
However, the princess revealed that she was ‘not out of the woods yet’ with treatment, adding: “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.”
