THE Princess of Wales smiling and standing shoulder to shoulder with the King was a clear message to the world that her return is all about family.
Everyone’s eyes may have been on Kate yesterday at the King’s birthday parade, but this was about a mum in her most important role— that of a doting parent and member of a loving family.
The princess was doing exactly the same in public as she’s been doing behind the scenes — focusing on her children Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis.
Kate has always considered her role as a mum the most important thing in her life.
She knows the way she brings up her children will have a profound effect on the future of the royal family and the whole monarchy.
Supporting her husband William and father-in-law Charles is also a part of that key role.
Kate may have made it appear like it was effortless to appear in public after six months.
But it would have taken a lot of mental effort and energy to do so.
She wanted the world to know she was back — not back to work, but back to her role as a royal mother and as a princess.
She wanted us to know she was getting better.
But also that the focus is on her children.
It would have been an enormous boost for them to have mummy in the carriage and on the balcony with them as if nothing had happened.
And her actions yesterday made her an icon to millions, if she wasn’t already.
Kate has had a hugely emotive impact because of her battle with cancer.
However wonderful her life seemed with all its privileges, now we know it is not.
She has suffered the fear, the loss and the agony of illness.
She has been brave enough to face life and get on with it.
But it’s not been easy.
As she said in her letter to the public: “I have good days and bad days.”
Yesterday Kate showed the world just how very brave she is.
And the world stood with her — just as she stood next to King Charles who is also battling cancer.
This act has raised her to an almost iconic status.
Kate’s appearance at Trooping the Colour is confirmation she is facing uncertainty with strength, grace and dignity.
Her appearance was no accident.
Kensington Palace carefully managed it to have the most impact with the least exposure.
As always Kate looked magnificent.
Her hair was in a neat chignon at the back of her head.
For one moment I thought she was wearing one of Diana’s outfits.
‘SUBTLE, STYLISH AND UNDERSTATED’
Diana once wore a white dress with a black and white striped bow on the hip during a royal tour.
It was Kate’s nod to her predecessor — and the line of succession — and it seemed so fitting.
Proudly displaying her regimental Irish Guards brooch, the princess also acknowledged duty as well as family.
Significantly, Kate’s position on the balcony next to the King served to underline the fact that her appearance was one of supporting her family.
Having his beloved daughter-in-law at his side was as important for him as it was for her.
They had been hoping this might happen for several months, but it depended on the health of them both.
It could all have changed at the last minute because of their health. Trooping the Colour is also about duty.
It’s a great day for the Armed Forces and a great day for Great Britain.
It is also a time for demonstrating the importance of the continuity of the royal family in the modern world.
But ultimately the appearance of the Princess of Wales was a family act, not just for her children but also for King Charles and the kings who will follow him.
As Prnce Philip once told Diana: “Monarchy is not a popularity contest but something for the family to pull together.”
Kate did that yesterday, but she was careful not to upstage her husband or king.
She was subtle, stylish and understated.
And in doing so, she stole the nation’s hearts even more and we love her dearly for it.
- INGRID Seward is editor in chief of Majesty Magazine and author of My Mother & I: The inside story of the King and our Late Queen.
SHE’S MY FAIR KATE
THIS was a brave return to public life for Catherine, who has valiantly battled cancer for the last few months.
She did not have to be at Trooping the Colour and no one would have blamed her for staying away. But she still chose to attend.
It is a measure of just how much her duty and family mean to her. She looked very well and, crucially, very healthy, too.
It was lovely to see her exchanging warm words with her father-in-law King Charles. Both battled hard to return to duties.
There were a lot of smart outfits on show, but the Princess of Wales’s stunning white dress was a cut above everyone else’s.
This was a remarkable return by a remarkable woman and I’m sure it would’ve meant the world to have her family by her side.
So it’s no surprise that she didn’t stop smiling throughout.
