King Charles and the Royal Family smile on the balcony during Trooping the Colour.

King Charles III, despite his ongoing battle with cancer, participated in the 2024 Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 15th with the royal family at Buckingham Palace. The 75-year-old monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, watched a flypast by the Royal Air Force after the annual parade. This public appearance marked Charles’ most significant since revealing his cancer diagnosis. Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, also joined the king on the balcony. Throughout the event, Charles frequently conversed with Kate, who is also undergoing cancer treatment.

In addition to Charles and Camilla, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, and their respective spouses were present on the balcony. Edward and Duchess Sophie’s daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, also made an appearance. Modifications were made to the ceremony due to Charles’ health condition, with him opting to travel in a carriage from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards instead of riding on horseback as he did in 2023. Royal historian Gareth Russell revealed that Charles had initially hoped to ride on horseback but was advised by his doctors to take a carriage due to his ongoing cancer treatment.

In February, the palace announced Charles’ cancer diagnosis after undergoing a procedure the previous month. The king began regular treatments and was advised by doctors to postpone public appearances. Two months later, in April, the palace confirmed that Charles would resume his official engagements as his medical team was encouraged by his progress. His engagements would be adapted to minimize risks to his recovery, and his program would be carefully monitored in consultation with his medical team.

During his first public outing since his diagnosis, Charles visited a cancer treatment center with Queen Camilla in April. He opened up about his initial shock at the health news but reassured well-wishers that he was doing relatively well in his recovery. Princess Kate Middleton, who also revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, has not returned to public duties as she undergoes chemotherapy treatments. Both Charles and Kate’s battles with cancer highlight the challenges faced by the royal family members, even as they continue with their official duties.