ROYALS REUNITED

The Princess of Wales makes her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis at Trooping the Colour

- REBECCA RUSSELL

The King's Birthday Parade is one of the biggest events in the royal calendar - and this year's Trooping the Colour celebrations were made all the more exciting with the welcome return of the Princess of Wales.

As the family stepped out on to the iconic balcony of Buckingham Palace, it was clear that King Charles, 75, was thrilled to have his "darling daughter-in-law" by his side as the crowds below cheered loudly.

Kate, who looked effortlessly elegant in a white dress by Jenny Packham and a matching hat by Philip Treacy, smiled brightly as she stood between the monarch and her husband, the Prince of Wales, exchanging warm words with them both. The momentous occasion marked the first time she has attended a public event since Christmas, following her heartbreaking cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

As the sun broke through the clouds for a well-timed appearance after the morning's heavy rain, Kate marvelled at the spectacular RAF flypast with her children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

The close-knit family shared several sweet moments as William, 41, leaned over to point out something in the distance to George, and Kate, 42, affectionately stroked her daughter's hair at one point. Louis clearly enjoyed the flypast - something which comes as no surprise given his previous revelation that he wants to become a fighter pilot one day.

While the Palace was quick to stress that the Princess of Wales' appearance at the parade should not be treated as a full return to official duties, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says Kate will have been "thrilled" to be there after such a challenging few months.

"I think she'll feel that this is another milestone on a difficult and lengthy journey - and that must give her a sense of achievement," Jennie exclusively tells OK!.