According to reports, the Princess of Wales’ long-awaited return to the spotlight was in the air until the eleventh hour.
Kate’s reappearance, six months after her last official appearance while she continues to undergo treatment for cancer, was met with a huge roar of approval from the crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace on Saturday for Trooping the Color.
Traveling with her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, five, she beamed as she waved to onlookers.
Kate appeared to happily survive the nearly three-hour engagement, which culminated in the traditional flyby photo of the palace balcony – but according to royal insiders, it took “weeks of planning” and effort.
Great Britain Telegraph reports that although “preparations took place in private,” Kate only decided to attend the event after assessing whether she “had enough energy.”
News of her involvement was only made public on the eve of Trooping, on Friday evening local time, and in her personal statement, Kate detailed the “good days and bad days” she experienced.
“We don’t deal with ‘what if’ issues,” a palace source said Telegraph late confirmation.
The source also told the newspaper that Kate’s decision also reflected her “tremendous pride in the Irish Guards”, of which she is a colonel, as well as her desire to be together with her family.
Despite initial concerns, it was confirmed earlier this year that King Charles, who is undergoing his own treatment for cancer, would be able to attend – although he traveled by carriage rather than the traditional horse.
While there have been rumors in the past that the king is frustrated at being overshadowed by other members of the royal family, there was no indication of this as he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his beloved daughter-in-law on the palace balcony.
As with any moment when one or more members of the royal family appear at an exhibition, every detail was carefully planned, and the decision to have Kate stand by the king, rather than Prince William by his father, was a powerful signal of unity.
It is unclear when exactly Kate will appear in public again, although British sources say that is not possible Times, has already been excluded from her usual attendance at this week’s Royal Ascot racing carnival.
However, it is possible that, depending on her condition at that time, she will take part in next month’s state visit to Japan or her beloved Wimbledon.
In an incredibly candid statement, Kate released on Friday evening, detailing her plans for a cautious return to public life.
“I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement I have received over the last few months. It truly changed the world for William and me and helped us both get through some tougher times,” she wrote.
“I’m making good progress, but anyone going through chemotherapy knows there are good days and bad days. On these bad days you feel weak, tired and need to rest your body. But on good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of that good feeling.
“I can’t wait to take part in the King’s Birthday Parade with my family this weekend and I hope to join in with some public appearances in the summer, but at the same time I know I’m not out of the woods yet.
“I am learning patience, especially in the face of uncertainty. I take each day as it comes, listen to my body, and allow myself to take this much-needed time to heal.