Trooping the Color 2024: Kate Middleton’s Return and Royal Celebrations!
Introduction
Trooping the Color, an annual event celebrating the monarch’s official birthday, took place in London on June 15, 2024. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked Kate Middleton’s first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis in March. Let’s dive into the highlights of the day, from the grand parade to the touching family moments on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
What is Trooping the Color?
Trooping the Colour is a significant event in the British royal calendar. Dating back to 1748, this ceremony marks the official birthday of the monarch. It features a grand parade, showcasing military precision and pageantry. This year, the Irish Guards led the parade from Buckingham Palace, down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, before returning to the palace for a spectacular flypast by the Royal Air Force.
Key Elements of the Ceremony:
- Military Parade: Hundreds of soldiers, horses, and musicians participated.
- Royal Procession: The royal family traveled in horse-drawn carriages.
- Balcony Appearance: The royals appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the flypast.
Highlights from the Royal Family’s Appearance
A Joyful Family Moment
Prince William and Princess Kate were seen sharing a sweet moment with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Princess Kate was particularly affectionate, smoothing Princess Charlotte’s hair as they enjoyed the festivities together. This appearance was their first public outing as a family since Christmas.
Sources:
- JAMES MANNING/PA IMAGES VIA GETTY
Kate Middleton’s First Public Appearance Since Cancer Diagnosis
Despite the rain, the skies cleared just in time for Kate Middleton and the rest of the royal family to step out on the balcony. Kate stood beside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other royal family members, marking her return to public life after her cancer treatment began in March.
Sources:
- HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP VIA GETTY
Kate Middleton’s Surprise Video
Princess Kate shared a video on Instagram of her journey to the event with her children. The clip showed her lovingly touching Princess Charlotte’s hair while they waited for their carriage. The children were excited, with Prince Louis waving and Princess Charlotte smiling as they headed to join the procession.
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The Procession and Parade
The parade continued despite the drizzle. The British Army reported over a thousand soldiers, 242 horses, and numerous musicians participated, creating a stunning display along The Mall and Horse Guards Parade.
Sources:
- CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY
Weather Challenges and the Fly past
Heavy rain threatened the traditional flypast by the Royal Air Force, but the show went on. The aircraft took to the skies at 1 pm, weather permitting, to celebrate King Charles’ birthday. Despite the weather, the royal family, including Kate and her children, were spotted wiping condensation from their carriage windows and enjoying the parade from the Major General’s Office.
Sources:
- CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY
Royal Appearances and Traditions
Prince William on Horseback
Continuing his tradition, Prince William rode a horse named Darby, accompanied by Prince Edward and Princess Anne. As the honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards, he wore their red uniform and traditional bearskin cap.
Sources:
- CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY
Kate Middleton in the Glass State Coach
Kate Middleton traveled with her children in the Glass State Coach to Horse Guards Parade. She wore a white dress by Jenny Packham and a matching hat. This marked her return to public engagements, despite her ongoing cancer treatment.
Sources:
- KARWAI TANG/WIREIMAGE
King Charles and Queen Camilla in the Carriage
King Charles and Queen Camilla traveled in the Scottish State Coach. Due to his cancer treatment, King Charles opted for the carriage rather than horseback, a change from previous years.
Sources:
- JAMES VEYSEY/SHUTTERSTOCK
Absences and Special Mentions
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry did not attend this year’s event. They were not invited to join the British military festivities for the second consecutive year. They now reside in California and last attended Trooping the Colour in 2019.
Sources:
- KOLA SULAIMON/AFP VIA GETTY
King Charles’ Delight at Kate’s Return
King Charles expressed his delight at Princess Kate’s participation in Trooping the Colour despite her health challenges. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed his happiness about her attendance.
Sources:
- SAMIR HUSSEIN/WIREIMAGE; MAX MUMBY/INDIGO/GETTY
Kate Middleton’s Cancer Journey
Kate Middleton’s appearance at Trooping the Colour came amidst her ongoing cancer treatment. She shared a personal message the day before, stating her excitement about attending the event and her plans to participate in public engagements over the summer, despite not having fully recovered.
Sources:
- MATT PORTEOUS
Trooping the Colour 2024 not only celebrated King Charles’ official birthday but also marked the resilient return of Kate Middleton to public life, highlighting the strength and unity of the royal family amidst personal and public challenges.
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