The father and son, along with Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family, participated in the traditional celebration marking the ancient Order of the Garter this afternoon, heralding the start of a busy royal summer season.
This cherished event closely follows the King's birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, where Kate made her first public appearance since disclosing her cancer diagnosis.
Despite her return, Kate's ongoing treatment means she is not yet resuming full-time royal duties. Royal sources indicate that her public engagements will depend on her health at any given time. Today's Order of the Garter ceremony and the upcoming Royal Ascot festival, starting tomorrow, are not part of her current responsibilities.
In a statement on Friday, Kate expressed hope to "join a few public engagements over the summer." She added, "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."
Today, members of the Order of the Garter – the country's oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry – processed from the State Apartments of the Berkshire castle to St George's Chapel, adorned in white plumed hats and dark blue velvet robes. The procession was watched by crowds of onlookers, including Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who in previous years has been joined by Kate. After the ceremony, Charles, Camilla, and other royals returned to the castle by carriage.
Other royals in the order include Princess Anne, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester, and Princess Alexandra. Prince Andrew, also a member, was not present in the parade, similar to last year.
