It’s no secret that the British Royal Family has endured some difficult times in recent months.
Both King Charles, 75, and the Princess of Wales, 42, have revealed that they are both receiving treatment for unspecified forms of cancer. While the monarch has been making some public events, Kate was not seen in public in an official capacity for months.
However, a spate of recent engagements from members of The Firm have boosted British morale, including Trooping the Colour, Royal Ascot, and England’s recent Euro 2024 fixture against Denmark.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told FEMAIL: ‘The late Queen Elizabeth famously said “I must be seen to be believed”. There is no doubt that appearances by members of the royal family have lifted the nation’s mood in the last week.’
He added: ‘These events have also reminded us how integral royal events are to the traditional British summer, especially in June.’
Despite the less than ideal weather at last weekend’s Trooping the Colour, royal fans were delighted to see mother-of-three Kate attending the event, after confirming she would be there in a statement released the night before.
Trooping the Colour, a yearly event that marks the official birthday of the British sovereign, is one of the highlights of the royal calendar.
Alongside a parade featuring regiments from the British and Commonwealth armies, members of the Royal Family famously take to Buckingham Palace’s balcony to watch an RAF flypast – the highlight of the day for many spectators.
And Kate, who is considered one of the most popular members of The Firm, was pictured beaming as she appeared on the balcony to a roar of support from the assembled crowd below.
Mr Fitzwilliams explained how significant the appearance was. He told FEMAIL: ‘It was pivotal that, since we had not seen her at an official function for six months, that Catherine attended the gathering on the Buckingham Palace Balcony after Trooping the Colour.
‘There was delight when she was able to watch the Parade from an office on Horse Guards.
‘It was worldwide news and the Irish Guards excelled at the magnificent ceremony, which had its origins as a rallying point in the battles of past centuries. A ferocious thunderstorm did not dampen the mood of rejoicing in the Mall.’
The appearance followed an extremely frank statement shared by the Princess less than 24 hours earlier.
In it, she revealed she will not be returning to public duties full time, but said she does now feel well enough to undertake a small number of public engagements in the coming months, including attending the King’s official birthday parade.
Kate wrote in the statement: ‘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.’
She added that while she was ‘looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade’, and was hoping to join a few public engagements over the summer, she knew she was ‘not out of the woods yet’.
Kate added: ‘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.’
Her joyful appearance at the event boosted many royal watchers’ morale, who were delighted to see the Princess looking happy on the palace balcony.
Just days later, Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, made their first public appearance since their daughter’s cancer diagnosis, attending the second day of Royal Ascot.
The beaming couple appeared to be in good spirits as they arrived side-by-side for the prestigious event at the Berkshire racecourse – alongside royals including Zara and Mike Tindall.
Prince William was snapped chatting with his in-laws during the day’s activities, with body language expert Judi James telling The Sun that the Prince of Wales and his in laws showed how they are ‘a very relaxed and close family unit’.
Judi added that the way William and Carole, 69, interacted show the ‘support and affection’ they share as a family.
‘It’s so clear that the presence of Kate’s mother and father, who have had a very parental role in William’s life, creates what looks like a safe place for William to relax and have fun in the wake of all the worries over his wife’s illness,’ she noted.
Carole and Michael Middleton’s last public appearance was at Kate’s annual Royal Carols: Together at Christmas at Westminster Abbey in London in December.
Three months later, Kate announced to the world her cancer diagnosis.
However, during the day, the Windsors and Middletons put on a united front in the face of recent adversities.
Photographs of Carole Middleton beaming made headlines, no doubt lifting the spirits of many royal fans.
Mr Fitzwilliams said seeing Michael and Carole Middleton at the Royal Meeting on Wednesday was ‘splendid’.
‘It was their first public appearance since Catherine’s cancer diagnosis,’ he added.
‘Behind the scenes, they must be of enormous help to her and her family at this stressful time.
‘The marvellous sunny weather, fantastic fashion and the appearance of so many royals including William have made this Royal Ascot an event to remember.’
The King who has so far attended the first and third days of the racing event, was pictured numerous times at the event appearing happy, seeing to enjoy his days out.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: ‘King Charles has been extremely active recently which bodes well for his fight against cancer.
‘He and Queen Camilla, who have inherited Queen Elizabeth’s stable, have become enthusiastic about racing and he has so far appeared twice in the carriage procession at Royal Ascot, the highlight of the social season.’
Further joyful royal photos emerged following England’s most recent Euro 2024 fixture.
Despite the 1-1 draw being described as uninspiring by some, the Prince of Wales of Wales was pictured looking highly engaged during the match, at one point jumping to his feet and pumping his fists.
Describing the Prince’s attendance, Mr Fitzwilliams said: ‘William, the President of the FA, was wonderfully animated when rooting for the Three Lions at the Euros in Frankfurt.
‘The team’s disappointing draw with Denmark followed its unimpressive victory over Serbia.
‘However, some of the highs and lows of the occasion were mirrored in his body language.
‘He also interacted extremely well with King Frederick of Denmark. Despite the Three Lions’ lacklustre performance, he helped keep up the flagging spirits of the fans.’