How And Why Kate Middleton Kept Her Trooping The Colour Appearance A Secret
Kate Middleton made her first public appearance of the year at Trooping the Colour last weekend, announcing news of her outing just a day before she was seen at King Charles’ birthday celebrations.
While she was absent at the rehearsal for the event, it’s believed she had good reason for keeping her public appearance a secret until the week of, and barely anyone knew of her plans.
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The Princess of Wales, who opened up about having ‘good days and bad days’ while undergoing cancer treatment in an Instagram post announcing her attendance, reportedly wanted to ensure she felt in good health in order to take part in the Trooping the Colour event, which saw her arrive at Buckingham Palace with her three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte.
King Charles’ spokesperson told Page Six that only a handful of people were in the loop about Kate’s potential appearance on the day.
It would seem logical then that she called on the help of royal photographer Matt Porteous to visit the Windsor Estate, Adelaide Cottage, to photograph her in a secret shoot in the days leading up to the event so that she could share an image of herself on Instagram announcing her plans.
Porteous previously took photos at her youngest child's Louis’ christening in 2018, as well as images for Kate's family’s 2022 holiday card.
Page Six reports the royal had a plan in advance that included re-wearing her black and white Jenny Packham dress, that she previously wore for an event in May 2023, but that there were alternative plans on the cards if she didn’t feel well enough on the day to attend the Horseguards Parade or stand on the balcony.
The ensemble was intentional for the royal given its colour – which symbolises rebirth, purity and hope –, its British design origin (Kate has worn Packham for all three of her children's post-birth appearances), and as a way to recycle a previously worn piece which wouldn't raise suspicion in wider fashion circles should a new outfit have been sourced.
The updated look included details seemingly inspired by Princess Diana, who often wore nautical-inspired styles. New beginnings, tradition and progress appeared to be the sartorial notes of the day.
It’s reported that Kate called King Charles about her decision to attend the event, which he was ‘delighted’ about, according to the spokesperson. The mother-of-three was seen waving to onlookers from Buckingham Palace’s balcony alongside King Charles.
It’s unknown when Kate will never make a public appearance, but we wish her well in her recovery.
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