Kate Middleton’s first major public appearance since completing chemotherapy was an emotional one for many reasons.
Earlier this week, Kate Middleton attended the annual Festival of Remembrance, marking her first major engagement since finishing chemotherapy and returning to public duties last month. The Princess of Wales joined Prince William, King Charles, Princess Anne, and other working members of the royal family for the event at London’s Royal Albert Hall, held in honor of World War II military personnel.
After a tribute to the fallen soldiers, the princess appeared visibly emotional, and reportedly fought back tears amid a standing ovation alongside Prince William. The royal’s return to the spotlight is a poignant moment in itself, as it comes after what Prince William describes a “brutal” year, given the princess’ and King Charles’ cancer diagnoses and treatments. Prince William’s honest reflection about the year came through in an interview with journalists during his visit to Cape Town last week. “It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life,” he told reporters. “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
The solemn Festival of Remembrance saw Kate dressed in a black coat dress paired with pearl jewelry from her late mother-in-law Princess Diana’s collection. Later that weekend, the royal made her consecutive appearance by stepping out at the Cenotaph Service on Remembrance Sunday. She was pictured on the balcony wearing a military-inspired Catherine Walker coat adorned with a velvet bow. As pearls have long been associated with mourning and remembrance, Kate completed this look with heirloom pearls that once belonged to late Queen Elizabeth II.
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