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It has been a week since Princess Catherine of Wales announced the conclusion of her chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Fans were eagerly awaiting the Royal Family's appearance on the palace balcony during this year's Trooping the Colour celebrations, with particular interest in whether Catherine would participate given her recent health challenges.
At the time of her health update, it was understood that Catherine would be undertaking a light program of work between now and the end of the year as she continued her recovery. The Court Circular confirmed on Tuesday that Catherine held an early meeting at Windsor Castle for one of her patronages, a charity supporting early childhood development. The choice of this organization for her first official activity of 2024 is particularly symbolic, as Catherine has described this project as her life's work.
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Alongside private meetings over the coming months, this will also include a handful of public engagements as part of Catherine's gradual return to public duties. She is also working towards appearing with the royal family at the annual Remembrance Sunday service staged at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Catherine's fashion choices for the solemn occasion are always highly anticipated, as she continues the tradition of wearing black to pay respect to the fallen.
On a balcony above the Cenotaph in London, Catherine took her place alongside Queen Camilla to watch as their husbands Prince William and King Charles laid wreaths at the memorial during the service. Reflecting on her outfit choice, Catherine cut an imposing figure for the ceremony that seemed even more poignant this year. She appeared visibly moved following the traditional all-black dress code. Her lapel was adorned with red poppies and a royal Air Force pin. She paired the look with a wide-brimmed hat by Philip Tracy and earrings that appeared to be repurposed from the Demi parure set of Queen Elizabeth II's diamond and pearl Leaf Brooch. According to a Royal commentator, "It's my personal favorite of all the outfits Catherine has worn for this occasion, all adding to the drama and gravitas of the outfit."
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Over the weekend, Prince William and Catherine also attended the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Catherine once again wore all black, adorned with poppy pins, paired with a long-sleeved midi dress, matching clutch and heels. She honored the late Queen Elizabeth II by wearing her three-strand pearl necklace and earrings again. Commentators praised Catherine's signature subtle smoky eye makeup look. The re-wearing of her hat, which was first seen on Catherine before her marriage at Prince William's graduation from the Sandhurst Military Academy in 2006, was also noted.
After various conspiracy theories circulated online speculating about Catherine's absence from engagements, royal insiders say that an even sharper focus on her return is now required. As one commentator stated, "let's not jump the gun folks. The princess is undergoing cancer treatment and it's perfectly understandable that she’s out of the picture for a moment. There’s no doubt in my mind that she will return to public life once she’s satisfied and done everything her doctors have told her to defeat the illness."
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Catherine is all about family but she's also dedicated to her duties to the country. She is keenly aware of her roles as Princess of Wales, future Queen, wife to a future King, and mother to a future monarch. sources say she's taking recovery one day at a time. As soon as the school term starts again, she's raring to dive back into the duties that she loves and misses.
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An attempt by another royal source to end speculation with a poorly photoshopped family snapshot added fuel to the fire of rumors. It also set off a round of unsourced finger-pointing in the British press. Commentators claimed Catherine is work-shy, William is prone to rage, and Buckingham Palace is frustrated with the couple's lack of commitment to their jobs. After his office's failed attempt to execute a viable PR plan, William may now have what he wanted - time and space away from the spotlight to focus on Catherine's health and the well-being of his children during this difficult time.
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