When Catherine, Princess of Wales made her highly-anticipated return to public life at the 2024 Trooping the Colour, royal watchers everywhere breathed a sigh of relief.
But her appearance at the event doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll be returning to public duties anytime soon. Here’s what we know so far.
The Princess of Wales’ long-awaited public appearance at Trooping the Colour marked the first time she had been seen in an official capacity since Christmas Day 2023, and she looked as radiant as ever at the event.
But does the parade mark her official return to royal duties? Unfortunately, no.
Catherine is still undergoing preventative chemotherapy to treat an undisclosed form of cancer, but her attendance at the parade hopefully signifies her treatment is going well and she’ll be back to her regular duties relatively soon.
Whilst Kensington Palace confirmed Kate Middleton’s presence at the Trooping the Colour shortly ahead of the day, they also quickly shut down any prospects of her attending the annual Garter Day on 17 June, as well as the upcoming Royal Ascot racing carnival – an event which is traditionally attended by senior members of the royal family.
In her touching personal statement confirming her attendance at the King’s birthday parade, the Princess of Wales admitted that she still has both “good days and bad days”, which means her appearance at upcoming events will likely depend on how she feels at the time.
According to her statement, Catherine will start to do some work from home as she feels better, and she also “hope[s] to join a few public engagements over the summer”.
The Sun have reported that over the next few weeks, the princess will start to hold meetings with palace staff as well as representatives from the Royal Foundation and the Centre for Early Childhood – both charities she is a patron of.
A spokesperson for Catherine has also confirmed that the palace will only give updates on face-to-face work meetings when “appropriate” and relevant.
Kensington Palace has yet to confirm Kate’s next official public engagement, though as she has stated herself, the Princess of Wales will be hoping to attend a few events over the coming weeks and months.
The Princess was candid and honest about her cancer journey in her statement, admitting she is “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.”
