Kate Middleton makes first appearance at King Charles' birthday parade since cancer announcement. Watch

Kate Middleton's participation in the parade quelled months of speculation about her condition and potential return to royal duties. (Image: X)

On King Charles III’s official birthday, the spotlight was firmly on Kate, the Princess of Wales, as she made her much-anticipated return to public life.

Middleton, 42, participated in the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday, marking her first official appearance since disclosing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Despite the drizzle, she was seen smiling and composed in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by her three children.

The Princess of Wales and her 3 children arriving at Horseguards Parade to watch the celebrations pic.twitter.com/pizHvsi9Al

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— Belle (@RoyallyBelle_) June 15, 2024

#PrincessofWales pic.twitter.com/pReAnTDdYc

— Belle (@RoyallyBelle_) June 15, 2024

In a statement released on Friday, Middleton provided an update on her health, revealing that she was "not out of the woods yet" but was "making good progress." She acknowledged that her cancer treatment would continue for several more months and described her experience as having "good days and bad days."

pic.twitter.com/3XuVi56AQa— Belle (@RoyallyBelle_) June 15, 2024

The annual Trooping the Colour ceremony celebrates the British monarch’s official birthday. This year's event held additional significance with both King Charles III and the Princess of Wales contending with their respective health challenges. King Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in February, was also present at the ceremony. His illness was discovered following hospitalisation for an enlarged prostate, though the palace has clarified that he does not have prostate cancer.

Middleton's return to public life after a prolonged absence sparked by her health issues was seen as a significant and positive step. Her participation in the parade quelled months of speculation about her condition and potential return to royal duties.

Charles’ actual birthday is November 14, but the official celebration traditionally takes place in June, marked by the grand military parade. Both Charles and the Princess have chosen to keep the specific types of their cancers and details private.

ALSO READ: 'Whole country is behind her': Rishi Sunak on Kate Middleton's first public appearance amid cancer battle