Kate Middleton cancer update: Princess of Wales ‘making good progress’ with treatment as she returns for Trooping the Colour

Family is the focus for the Princess of Wales in both her private and public life and her cancer diagnosis will have brought those closest rallying round.

In her video statement announcing the state of her health, Kate highlighted the importance of giving her children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – time and space to come to terms with their mother’s illness.

The princess’ major public project is supporting the early years development of children, and last year she launched her long-term campaign Shaping Us, described as her “life’s work” and aimed at highlighting the crucial first five years of a child’s life.

Kate has carefully carved out this public role focusing on the wellbeing of children and mental health since marrying the Prince of Wales in 2011 and becoming an HRH.

Kate, the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, wrote to express her sadness at missing the Colonel’s Review, which typically takes place a week before the parade.

“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping of the Colour,” she wrote.

“I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practising for months and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.

“Being your colonel remains a great honour, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review. Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon. Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.”

Simon Le Bon has said he is “beyond thrilled and surprised” to have been made an MBE.

The Duran Duran singer, 65, was honoured in King Charles’s birthday honours list for his services to both music and charity.

“What an incredible, and totally unexpected honour!” he said of becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

“I am truly beyond thrilled and surprised.

“These last few years have been some of the most important in Duran Duran’s career, and this is a bright but humbling highlight as our journey continues.

“It is fitting that the honour has been awarded not just for my role in music, but also for the work I’ve been fortunate to be involved with outside the band for some of the causes I believe in.

“To name but two of them, I hope this moment helps to raise awareness for the Blue Marine Foundation and the importance of their conservation work, and for Centrepoint.

“Their mission for over 50 years to put an end to homelessness in the UK is vital.”

The British artist, 60, who has created several controversial works, described the honour as the latest “brilliant surprise” in her life.

“Dame Tracey has a good ring to it,” she said of the honour, which was given in recognition of her services to art.

“I’m very very happy. Another brilliant surprise in my life.”

Some of Emin’s notable works include a tent filled with the names of everyone she has ever slept with and an installation of her bed littered with personal objects including empty vodka bottles.

The former prime minister, 73, was made a Companion of Honour, which is given to those who have made notable contributions in the fields of government, the arts, science, or medicine.

Reacting to the news, he said: “I feel slightly embarrassed, as the opportunity to serve is an honour in itself and my preference has always been to recognise all those brilliant, unsung, local heroes who quietly and selflessly give their time to contribute to the vitality of our communities.

“I want to thank those who put my name forward and thank too my family and all who have worked with me during the last 50 years in public life to whom I owe everything.”

King Charles has expressed his happiness over news Kate Middleton will return to public duties at the Trooping the Colour parade.

The 75-year-old monarch is “delighted” that the Princess of Wales will be joining the royal family, said a Buckingham House spokesperson.

Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in February, has only just recently returned to public duty himself following treatment.

Kensington Palace has confirmed that Prince William will travel to Frankfurt, Germany next week to see England take on Denmark at the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match at Frankfurt Arena.

The Prince met with the team at St George’s Park, Staffordshire earlier this week to wish them good luck ahead of the tournament.

Following rumours that Kate was receiving treatment at a facility in Huston, Texas, the Palace denied that this was the case to the Huston Chronicle.

She announced her cancer diagnosis via a poignant video in March, where she revealed that she would remain out of the public eye for the foreseeable future as she undergoes “preventative chemotherapy.”

This comes following a statement from Kate updating the public on her cancer treatment and confirming her attendance.

ITV News’s royal editor Chris Ship wrote on Twitter (X): “Kate will attend the King’s birthday parade in a carriage with her 3 children. And be on the palace balcony with Prince William, King and Queen.”

The picture, shared on the official Kensington Palace Twitter (X) account, was taken this year by photographer Matt Porteous and features Kate looking up in an outdoor setting.