LONDON—The royal family's goal was clear: present Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, to the world, squash conspiracy theories, and reset the royal narrative ahead of the summer vacation.
Reading the widespread coverage on British news websites on Saturday after Trooping the Color ended, there is no doubt that the palace operatives were satisfied enough to declare the mission accomplished.
A friend of Kate told The Daily Beast: “Catherine was absolutely amazing. Her statement was extraordinary, her appearance today was beautiful and elegant, and filled people with confidence.
Another royal source said: « She knocked it out of the park. She was amazing and sent all the messages. It was the best day of the monarchy since the coronation » (meaning King Charles.)
The telegram Said of the ceremony, « Tactile, together, and very human, it was a royal look like no other: family reunited against the odds. »
London times « As moments in the royal history books go, it stakes its claim at the top of the heap, » she said of how powerful it was to watch Kate and King Charles—both undergoing cancer treatment—on the Buckingham Palace balcony. . Royal Correspondent Roya Nikka wrote, “Royal pictures and messaging happen by accident. The sight of Charles shoulder-to-shoulder with the princess on the Buckingham Palace balcony showed his pride in his beloved daughter-in-law.
The mails The verdict said the incident was a « dazzling, brave reminder of the skill, discipline and loyalty of our armed forces ».
King Charles, Queen Camilla, William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Lady Louise Windsor appeared on Buckingham Balcony. Palace.
Holly Adams/Reuters
Britain's politicians, facing a general election next month, were keen to wrap themselves in the royal flag.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted, « God save the King, » while Sir Keir Starmer, who could become Prime Minister after next month's election, said: « Congratulations to His Majesty the King. Thank you to all our dedicated service personnel for such a wonderful Trooping the Color.
Even the weather cooperated; The clouds parted and the sun shone brightly as the royal family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to receive the nation's best wishes on the monarch's official birthday.
It is impossible for believers not to see as a metaphor the bright blue sky after a morning of heavy rain; In this year of extraordinary misfortune and misfortune the royal family, afflicted with cancer, eventually pulled through.
King Charles was alive and well, if not particularly well (also a solid monarchy Daily Telegraph He had to admit he was « a bit drained ») shepherding his family to a bright future.
But make no mistake, today is really about Kate, who, against all odds, would be at risk of being dismissed as the plot in a soap opera, pulling the glitter-cannon of such a last-minute return to narrative perfection. Unbelievable.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrives for the Trooping the Color, Horse Guards Parade at the King's Birthday Parade on June 15, 2024 in London.
Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images
Kate's arrival, is reported, has been under secret planning for weeks, but was finally confirmed only last night at 6 p.m. After a week of furious speculation, Kate released an extraordinary statement, unlike any royal family has ever released, in which she shared her delight at being able to join the trouping (and start working from home). how chemotherapy made her feel; Fatigue, « bad days, » « uncertainty. »
But one phrase Kate used struck a decidedly cautious and unsettling note: Kate said she was « not out of the woods yet. »
This clearly acknowledged the seriousness of her condition. In explanations, the palace has repeatedly urged the press not to confuse Kate's appearance at Trooping the Color with the assumption that she is on the path back to public life.
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales on the balcony during Trooping the Color at Buckingham Palace on June 15, 2024 in London, England.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
And here E. After successfully proving that Kate is fit enough to be out for hours at a formal event, it's somewhat tricky for the palace to say she won't be attending the Carter Parade or Royal Ascot next week.
Cancer patients and their families will certainly understand. This is the reality of cancer treatment; Those « good days » that Kate mentions in her report usually come at the end of each cycle of chemo.
But the genie is out of the bottle. Expectations will now inevitably build to see Kate perform again.
A scary thing is that Kate, with her careful and cautious diction, says in that unprecedented statement, “I'm not out of the woods yet. I am learning how to be patient, especially in the face of uncertainty.
