Kate Middleton Makes Powerful Return to Commonwealth Day Service

Kate Middleton attended the Commonwealth Day Service for the first time since the 2023 ceremony.

The Princess of Wales made her first public appearance at a major royal event since her cancer diagnosis, attending the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration on March 10 at Westminster Abbey.

Princess Kate appeared alongside Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Richard, the Duchess of Gloucester, and Princess Anne. The King also made his first appearance at the event since 2023 after he was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks before the 2024 celebration.

The Princess of Wales wore a beautiful red dress made by Catherine Walker decorated with a statement red bow. It was accessorized with a matching red hat by Gina Foster, the late Queen Elizabeth’s Garrard four-layer pearl choker and pearl earrings worn by Princess Diana.

Middleton stepped back from royal duties in 2024 after she announced that she was diagnosed with cancer. In September of that year, she revealed that she had completed chemotherapy. She shared that she was officially in remission on January 14 of this year.

“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery,” she stated in her announcement. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is so much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”

The celebration is observed across the Commonwealth, which includes 56 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. King Charles serves as the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth, which is meant to improve the lives of its people.

The Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration is the first major royal event of the year. The theme of the this year’s ceremony was “Together We Thrive.”