British officials said Tuesday that the Princess of Wales, Kate, would attend the Trooping the Color ceremony or military parade in June. This is his first major confirmed official assignment since the royal underwent stomach surgery.
Kate, the wife of Prince William, has not been seen in public since January, when palace officials announced she was admitted to a private hospital in London for a scheduled operation. At the time they gave no further details but said Kate would not return to public duties until after Easter.
Trooping the Color ceremonies were held on June 8 and the following weekend. The events, which are an important annual event in the royal calendar, are pomp-filled birthday parades in honor of the reigning monarch. This event usually attracts large crowds every June to watch the parade. This tradition has been around for more than 260 years.
The Ministry of Defense said Kate, 42, would inspect soldiers in the parade at the June 8 ceremony. Hundreds of bodyguards, plus mounted guards, and members of military units will be involved in Horse Guards ceremonies in central London and along the promenade outside Buckingham Palace called the Mall.
The royal family has continued to be in the media spotlight in recent weeks because Kate and King Charles III have been unable to carry out their usual public duties due to health problems. According to royal officials, Charles is undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer. The cancer was discovered while he was being treated for an enlarged prostate.
Kate was released from hospital on January 29 after two weeks of treatment for an undisclosed illness. Palace officials said Kate had asked that her medical condition remain confidential. (ka/hour)