Symbolic meaning behind Princess of Wales' style choices at first public appearance since diagnosis revealed

The Trooping the Colour marked the first public outing this year for the Princess of Wales, who has not been seen at any official royal engagements since December 2023. We now know that was due to abdominal surgery and preventive chemotherapy, with no return to public life anytime soon. But the Princess of Wales chose this occasion to soft launch her return to royal life, and it was eagerly anticipated.

In the grand spectrum of royal engagements that capture the public's imagination, few are as anticipated on the royal calendar as Trooping the Colour. This event is pure pomp and pageantry - a vivid display of the British monarchy. But this year, more than most, Trooping the Colour has taken on even greater significance.

It marks the first public outing this year for the Princess of Wales, who has not been seen at any official royal engagements since December 2023. We now know that was due to abdominal surgery and preventive chemotherapy, with no return to public life anytime soon. But the Princess of Wales chose this occasion to soft launch her return to royal life, and it was eagerly anticipated.

Trooping the Colour is a ceremony rich in history, dating back to 1748, designed to celebrate the official birthday of the sovereign. Originally a practical military parade to help troops recognize their regiment's colors amidst the chaos of battle, it has evolved into an annual display of national pride and royal tradition.

This event not only marks the sovereign's birthday but also serves as a showcase of the monarchy's connection to the military, with the King acting as the technical head of the British Armed Forces.

Since Kensington Palace announced at 6 p.m., the evening before Trooping the Colour that the Princess of Wales would be in attendance, media and social platforms buzzed with discussions about her upcoming appearance. What would she wear? Would the public see her on the balcony?

The fact that one of the most popular members of the Royal Family had barely been seen in public for nearly six months has fuelled speculation about her health and the state of her marriage from dark corners of the internet, to front pages of newspapers. Royal fans were desperate to see her - and they weren’t disappointed.

The Princess of Wales dazzled at Trooping the Colour, wearing a striking white Jenny Packham dress adorned with black trim and a sophisticated black and white bow on her right shoulder. Complementing her elegant attire, she chose a white hat by Philip Treacy, angled to perfection, and white stiletto heels.