The Princess of Wales has made her first public appearance this year by joining the Royal Family at Trooping the Colour today despite her ongoing cancer treatment.
Kate, who has been receiving chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer since February, travelled in a carriage alongside her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, for the traditional procession through London.
The future Queen, 42, was the picture of elegance and grace as she donned a crisp white structured pencil dress which had a bow along the neckline. The designer is believed to be Jenny Packham – many of whose creations Kate has donned before.
The garment featured a monochrome belted band which sat on her waist and highlighted her sophisticated frame. Kate opted for a simple black clutch bag and classy pointed white heels, which tied the chic look together.
She wore her glossy brunette tresses in a stylish braided low-bun and completed the look with a coordinating hat by Philip Treacy, and her Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore pearl earrings, which retail for £5,620. She completed the look with her Irish Guards Regimental Brooch – a nod to her role as the regiment’s honorary colonel.
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The Princess of Wales (pictured) reportedly wore a dress designed by Jenny Packham for her appearance today
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The royal appeared to be channelling Eliza Doolittle (pictured) in her black and white ensemble
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The future Queen, 42, was the picture of elegance and grace as she donned a crisp white structured pencil dress
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Always prepared! Kate Middleton was the picture of elegance in her ensemble t
The family were photographed arriving at Buckingham Palace in a car at 10am, with George sitting between Kate and Prince William, and Charlotte and Louis opposite.
At 1pm, she is set to gather with King Charles and Queen Camilla, her husband and other Royal Family members on Buckingham Palace’s balcony for the RAF flypast.
Scotland Yard has a ‘substantial’ policing operation for the event, with anti-monarchy group Republic allowed to protest but banned from using amplified sound.
Hundreds of Metropolitan Police officers were deployed on the ceremonial route to ensure the safety and security of those watching, with tens of thousands gathered.
Crowds of people gathered outside Buckingham Palace this morning, with many holding Union flags.
Jane Ing, 61, said she had travelled from Yorkshire with her husband and a friend to witness the royal procession through The Mall ahead of the ceremony.
She said: ‘The ceremony is part of our heritage. It’s an iconic parade and exhibition of our royal family that we should be proud about and come to support.’
She added it was ‘lovely’ that Kate announced she will be in attendance.
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The Princess of Wales leaves Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour in London today
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The Princess of Wales leaves Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour in London today
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The Princess of Wales leaves Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour in London today
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The Princess of Wales leaves Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour in London today
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Kate arrives with Princess Charlotte and Prince George at Horse Guards Parade today
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Members of the Irish Guards march along The Mall towards Horse Guards Parade today
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The Princess of Wales with Prince William and their three children in London this morning
Political artist Kaya Mar was among spectators gathered to watch the royal procession down The Mall.
The 67-year-old had brought two oil paintings, one of the King and another of the Princess of Wales, her husband and their children.
Mr Mar said: ‘The royal family are like an anchor for uncertain times – especially when you see the mess of politicians.’
He added: ‘They are the only steady political institution amid the turmoil in the United Kingdom and, really, what is the only steady institution for the future of this country?
‘It’s still royalty. They’re harmless. They’re not politicians. Whether you’re right, left, middle, whatever it is, you look up to them.’
The artist said his painting of Kate, which invoked Biblical imagery comparing her to Mary, was intended to poke fun at the ‘religious fervour’ he thought surrounded the birth of her most recent child, Prince Louis, in 2018.
Also today, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told MailOnline: ‘Kate’s appearance today is pivotal as the royal family is much weakened by two senior members fighting cancer. It is especially significant as we have not seen her on an official engagement since December.
