Princess Kate has been hailed as a "symbol of constancy and stability" as she made her poignant return at Trooping the Colour, amid her ongoing cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales announced on Friday that she would be attending the official birthday celebrations for King Charles, noting she is "not out of the woods yet" with her chemotherapy treatment.
The Princess has broken cover in her first appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis, as she rode in a carriage with her children Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis.
Discussing her return on GB News, commentator and historian Rafe Heydel-Mankoo said King Charles is "delighted" that the Princess of Wales is able to attend the event, as she is the "strength and stay and future of the monarchy".
Rafe Heydel-Mankoo says Princess Kate is the 'strength and stay' for the 'future of the monarchy'
Getty / GB News
Detailing the significance of her return with hosts Andrew Pierce and Ellie Costello, Heydel-Mankoo said: "The King is delighted that the Princess of Wales is there.
"He knows that she is the strength and stay and the future of the monarchy, and she has done so much to rise above everything else that's been happening on and provide that symbol of constancy and stability."
Noting the King's battle with cancer alongside Princess Kate's, Heydel-Mankoo highlighted how their diagnoses have "brought them even closer together" than they were before.
Comparing the role of Princess Kate in the monarchy to that of Princess Diana and the Queen Mother, Heydel-Mankoo claimed that Kate will provide the "vitally important strength" to Prince William in the years to come, particularly when William ascends the throne.
The Princess of Wales made a poignant return for Trooping the Colour amid her cancer treatment
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Heydel-Mankoo told GB News: "Kate is much like her mother-in-law, and indeed the Queen Mother as well. The power behind the throne as King George VI knew was the Queen Mother.
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"And I think to a great degree, Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales will prove to be that vitally important strength for Prince William in the years ahead and when he eventually becomes King."
Andrew also highlighted the popularity of Princess Kate amongst royal fans and how they are supporting her appearance at Trooping the Colour, noting the attention on the Princess will be "worldwide".
Andrew told Heydel-Mankoo: "The images of her return, as much as people will be interested in the King, will be worldwide. They will be on every newspaper."
For the Princess's first royal outing of 2024, Kate chose a white Jenny Packham dress with black bow detailing.
Princess Anne joined the soldiers on horseback for the annual parade
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Ahead of her return to the royal spotlight after six months away, Kate issued a statement on her health to royal fans, noting her ongoing cancer treatment.
Sharing an update on Friday, Kate told royal fans: "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, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
"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.
"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."