On Friday, June 14, the Princess of Wales shared that she would be attending the Trooping the Colour today, an impressive military parade that marks the reigning British sovereign’s official birthday. It would be the first appearance of Catherine since she announced in March that she would be undergoing preventative chemotherapy.
The news was greeted with much excitement as wellwishers of the princess were keen to see her out and about, and to be reassured that she is on the road to recovery.
And as the royal stepped out in all her finery today, accompanied by her three young children, it was hard not be full of admiration for her, and the impeccably behaved Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and a near perfect performance from Prince Louis, who couldn’t resist a large yawn (we don’t blame him!) and playing with the curtain.
Considering Catherine shared in yesterday’s statement that she is “making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” it would have been a huge undertaking to step out under the glare of millions of people.
However, she carried out her duty with a beaming smile, showing her love for her family, her in-laws, and the people she is meant to serve. And importantly, she managed to put her admirers’ minds to rest for the time being.
Yet, behind the smile and immaculate hair and make up, there is a mother who, as she expressed, is “learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty.”
A message for us all
And it is this message that needs to be remembered: We never know what lies ahead. Here we have a woman who seemed to have everything, and whom many probably assumed would be around for a long time.
But it is only when we travel through vulnerable times that we are reminded that nothing in life is certain, and we all have to give ourselves over to God’s plan for us.
We hope that after today’s events, Catherine can kick off those high heels, and focus on reassuring her children and getting better. Our prayers are with the Princess of Wales and her family, and with all those in treatment for cancer or who have been affected by it.
And today we celebrate...