Kate Middleton's Trooping the Colour Appearance Was "an Act of Service" for the Royal Family

"Family is really important to the Princess of Wales, and she wanted to be there to support her family."

Kate Middleton made her grand return to the public eye at last weekend's Trooping the Colour celebration for King Charles' birthday. While the event was difficult for her to attend, the Princess of Wales put on a brave face amid her cancer treatment and used her attendance as "an act of service" toward the royal family.

"Queen Elizabeth used to say, 'I need to be seen to be believed.' She said that before the days of online conspiracy theories, but she meant that in order to do the job of royalty, they need to be seen directly," King Charles' biographer, Catherine Mayer, told People for its latest issue. "However difficult, or otherwise, this has been for Kate, appearing was an act of service under the terms of the institution she is part of."

Related: Kate Middleton’s Trooping the Colour Appearance Was Tough on Her Health Amid Cancer Treatment

Royal reporter Katie Nicholl previously told Entertainment Tonight that "there was no pressure on her from anyone" for her to attend Trooping the Colour. "When she turned that corner, I was told that Trooping was a goal for her. She was given the sign-off by her medical team. She spoke to her father-in-law about attending and to Prince William. They were fully behind her."

As for the event itself, "It was a perfect way for Kate to reenter the public sphere at this event, which is so full of tradition going back hundreds of years and is a symbol of the continuity of the royal family," royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People in the new report, with a royal source adding, "Family is really important to the Princess of Wales, and she wanted to be there to support her family."

Middleton will continue her cancer treatment, but will likely be taking it easy in the time before her next event. "She has been doing what’s right for her and recovering privately at home," a source close to the royal household told People. "She is dealing with it the best she can." 

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