Catherine, Princess of Wales, joins the royal family on the palace balcony in her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis

The Mall, London
CNN
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Catherine, Princess of Wales, joined other royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to celebrate the King’s official birthday, in her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis.

The Princess of Wales, her husband William, and their children George, Charlotte and Louis gathered on the balcony with King Charles and Queen Camilla to watch a Royal Air Force flyby. They waved and smiled at the crowd, which greeted them with cheers.

The princess, also known as Kate, had previously been transported in an official carriage with her children from Buckingham Palace to the Horse Guards procession to watch the ceremony, known as Color forces. She can be seen wearing the badge of the Irish Guards Regiment, in reference to her role as an honorary colonel.

The family was later seen watching the events from a point of view, while Kate’s husband, William, the Prince of Wales, rode his horse.

For Kate, it was her first public appearance since Christmas Day, weeks before she was diagnosed with cancer.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were also transported in a carriage from Buckingham Palace, bringing cheers from packed crowds as they slowly made their way into the mall. The King participated in a carriage rather than on horseback this year due to his cancer diagnosis.

People of all ages gathered along the mall for this event. Some spectators wear Union Jack hats and necklaces, while others wave flags. Some sang the national anthem.

Kate gave an update on her health on Friday, saying she had made “good progress” in her recovery. But she said she expects her treatment to continue for a few more months, and that she’s “not out of the woods yet.”

Trooping the Color is a magnificent military spectacle that sees 1,400 officers and soldiers, along with 400 musicians and 200 horses, march through the streets of London from Buckingham Palace to the Horse Guard Parade, while crowds line the route.

The event – one of the highlights of the royal calendar – has been an official birthday tradition for the British Sovereign for more than 260 years. However, Charles’ actual birthday falls in November.

Britain’s kings and queens have doubled down on their celebrations since the 18th century, holding a public celebration – the official Christmas – and a more private event on the actual date.

The tradition is believed to have begun with party-obsessed King George II in 1748. Like Charles III, George was born in November, when British weather is often far from ideal.

Proving this point is that the weather took a downward turn as the events came to a close. Heavy rain and wind gusts fell on the crowds who were waiting for the king to return to the palace. Some spectators had difficulty holding their umbrellas in place.

Kate’s appearance was a big topic of discussion among onlookers as they chatted and warmed their hands with flasks of tea. “We are very excited,” Rene Geldenhuis, 41, told CNN.

She added: “We hope we can go up to the balcony and see her beautiful face again… We missed seeing her in public, so we are mostly here for her.”

This year’s procedures have been modified as 75-year-old Charles continues treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.

Doctors were encouraged by his progress, allowing him to do so Resume public facing duties in April, but each post he makes is reviewed and adapted where appropriate.

For Saturday’s events, he reviewed the troops sitting in the Ascot Landau carriage alongside Queen Camilla.

Three from the British Army Horses that galloped through London in April He returned to duty and participated in the birthday parade this weekend. The remaining two horses are “enjoying a summer holiday in the Chilterns” and will return to duty in due course, according to the army.

This is a developing story and will be updated.