Kate Middleton and King Charles' Emotional Bond on Display at Trooping the Colour
"Family is really important to the Princess of Wales and she wanted to be there to support her family," a royal source said
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Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte and King Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024.Kate Middleton and King Charles' growing bond was palpable at Trooping the Colour.
On June 15, the Princess of Wales, 42, and the King, 75, stood next together on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the royal family's appearance at the King's birthday parade. Princess Kate and King Charles smiled and chatted with each other throughout their appearance, joined by Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and other family members.
"Family is really important to the Princess of Wales and she wanted to be there to support her family," a royal source said of Princess Kate's decision to attend Trooping the Colour.
The Princess of Wales and King Charles are both receiving treatment for cancer, and Kate's presence at Trooping the Colour was significant as it was her first public appearance after she announced in March that she was diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. Trooping the Colour is a historic tradition in Britain as the British Army's annual parade held in honor of the monarch's official birthday and Kate showed support for her father-in-law by being there.
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Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte and King Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024.Related: Kate Middleton Joins Royal Family on Buckingham Palace Balcony at Trooping the Colour
The British royal family faced an unprecedented turn of events this year as King Charles and Princess Kate both navigate cancer, and some wondered if the bond might grow stronger between Prince William's wife and father.
"He has always had a very good bond with her," royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith previously told PEOPLE about the rapport between the King and Kate. "I don’t think it is presumptuous to say that she is like the daughter he never had. He shares with William an impulse to protect her. They are in this together, Kate and the King."
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(From left) Prince George, Prince William, Prince Louis, Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, King Charles, Queen Camilla, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024.Related: Princess Charlotte Has a Big Sister Moment with Prince Louis on Buckingham Palace Balcony
Princess Kate announced her plans to attend Trooping the Colour within a personal letter on June 14, and the King was "delighted" about her decision.
"His Majesty is delighted that The Princess is able to attend tomorrow’s events, and is much looking forward to all elements of the day," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said on June 14.
The Princess of Wales spoke to her father-in-law about her attendance at the army's parade for his birthday, which seemed to proceed flawlessly despite a sudden downpour.
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Kate Middleton travels by carriage at Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024.
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After the Princess of Wales announced in a self-written speech released via video on March 22 that she has cancer, Buckingham Palace said that King Charles was "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did."
The day before Princess Kate’s emotional address sent shockwaves around the world, she and King Charles had a private lunch at Windsor Castle.
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