Kate Middleton seen in stunning new picture as she confirms Trooping The Colour appearance
Kate Middleton can be seen in a new picture that has been released amid her brave cancer battle, as it's confirmed she will join the Royal Family at Trooping the Colour tomorrow.
The Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye and stepped away from royal duties following her cancer diagnosis. She appealed for time, space and privacy for her family when she announced on 22 March that she was being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.
It had been announced that 42 year old Kate, who is undergoing chemotherapy, would not be at the Trooping the Colour rehearsal, but her attendance at the main event on Sunday 15 May has now been confirmed.
A beautiful new picture has been released of the royal mum-of-three, which was taken by Matt Porteous earlier this week in Windsor. In the tranquil image, Kate is seen standing under a tree next to a body of water, as she gazes up at the sky, dressed in a blazer over a white T-shirt, teamed with jeans and trainers, as her long brunette hair is worn down.
She has also released a personal message, in which she gave a candid update on her health battle, bravely revealing she has "good days and bad days" and is "not out of the woods yet". She revealed her treatment is ongoing and she is starting to do some work from home on days when she feels well enough, undertaking meetings with her foundation and Kensington Palace team.
Kate also said she hopes “to join a few public engagements over the summer", while thanking royal fans for the outpouring of love and support she has been shown. The princess has received thousands of letters and cards from well-wishers, with some people sharing their own battles with cancer.
Kate's statement read: "I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. 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.
"My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home."
Kate will be joined by her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in a carriage for the traditional procession to Trooping the Colour and later they will gather with other royals on Buckingham Palace’s balcony for the fly-past.
Her statement continued: "I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
"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."
Kate's return to the public spotlight for Trooping the Colour has been welcomed by King Charles.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty is delighted that the princess is able to attend tomorrow’s events, and is much looking forward to all elements of the day”.
A spokesperson for Prince William said he was "pleased" Kate was starting her return to the work and projects that are important to her".
The statement added: "He will continue to focus his time on supporting his wife and children, while continuing to undertake his public duties."
Previous to this announcement, Kate wrote a letter to the Irish Guards to apologise for not being able to take the salute and wish them luck for The Colonel’s Review in London on Saturday, 8 June. As colonel of the regiment, she spoke of her pride in them and added that being colonel “remains an honour”.
The letter said: “I wanted to write to you to let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour.
“I appreciate everyone trooping the colour this year has been practising for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate. Being your colonel remains an honour, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review. Please pass on my apologies to the whole regiment, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.
“Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved. Quis separabit.” (Who shall separate (us)?)
The Colonel’s Review is held seven days ahead of the Trooping the Colour parade which has marked the sovereign’s birthday for more than 260 years.
King Charles, who has recently returned to public-facing duties while receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, has confirmed that he will be in attendance and inspect the soldiers from a carriage rather than on horseback as he has done previously.
Prince William gave a positive update about his wife’s treatment during a visit to the Isles of Scilly last month, saying “she’s doing well” when questioned by a hospital administrator.
