Kate Middleton returned to the spotlight at Trooping the Colour with a “personal guard.” Analyzing her appearance alongside Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, a body language expert zeroed in on one of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ kids and their “protective” demeanor. Ahead, how—drumroll, please—Charlotte appeared to be “protecting and supporting” Kate at Trooping the Colour.
Kate Middleton’s return to public life at Trooping the Colour
After much speculation as to whether or not she’d attend the annual birthday parade for the leader of the British royal family, Kate made her first public appearance in six months since being diagnosed with cancer.
On June 15, 2024, she joined William, 41, and their three children, along with King Charles III, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, for the festivities in London, England.
Kate rode in a carriage with George, Charlotte, and Louis—Kensington Palace even shared some behind-the-scenes footage on social media—before standing on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch a military flyover.
Kate’s attendance wasn’t a surprise. The day before Trooping the Colour, she announced her plan to participate in the celebration.
“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,” Kate said in a social media post alongside a photo of her leaning against a tree.
Noting she’s “making good progress” with preventative chemotherapy treatment, Kate acknowledged “there are good days and bad days” and that she’s “not out of the woods yet.”
“I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty,” she said. “Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.”
Kate also shared her treatment will continue for “a few more months.” Also that she’s “starting to do a little work from home.”
Body language expert Judi James dubbed Charlotte Kate’s Trooping the Colour “wing-woman” to The Sun. “There were strong hints that Charlotte is the child primarily protecting and supporting Kate at this event.”
Sitting across from Kate in the carriage, Charlotte exhibited body language similar to her mother’s. “Like Kate, her smile was almost constant.”
As they exited the carriage, James noted how, as George and Louis turned to lead the way to the palace, Charlotte “movingly performed the kind of military turn you would see on the parade ground, her hair flying out, looking for all the world as though she was Kate’s personal guard of honor.”
