The Princess of Wales and her father-in-law are closer than ever. She stood beside him on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, a position previously held by William.

In her first public appearance in 173 days, Kate Middleton, 42, looked happy and healthy as she joined her children and senior royals to celebrate the king’s official birthday.

In a sweet gesture, Charles and Kate stood side by side, showcasing their strength and unity. Last year, it was Prince William who stood next to his father.

Both Kate and the King were diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and have grown closer as they support each other through this difficult time. The princess privately informed her father-in-law that she would attend Trooping the Colour, her first public appearance since Christmas, and he was delighted by the news.

Kate Middleton draws cheers in her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis.

Pictures showed the Princess of Wales arriving at Buckingham Palace with her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, ahead of the royal birthday parade.

Wearing a white dress by her favorite designer Jenny Packham, with black detailing and a hat, Kate looked calm and healthy as she gazed out the car window.

She showed no sign of stress, smiling and greeting the crowd that had gathered to see her.

She was surrounded by other family members, with her husband, the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, on horseback, as well as the Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals, and the Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel of the Scots Guards.

The king rode in the carriage with the queen, unable to participate on horseback due to his illness.

In a change from last year, Kate did not sit with senior family members on the dais, but watched the spectacle from the Duke of Wellington’s former office with her children. Little Louis displayed his usual antics, yawning, trying to open a window, and dancing to the military music during the impressive display. After the military spectacle, the family returned to Buckingham Palace for the iconic balcony appearance.

Stepping out to cheers from the thousands gathered outside the steel gates, the royal family looked united as they watched the RAF fly past.

Standing shoulder to shoulder, the royal’s intimacy with his beloved bride was evident as Kate leaned down to speak to the king, causing them to smile and exchange fond glances.

Sergeant Major Stokes, who helped plan the Trooping, praised Kate for attending, saying: “I think it’s really nice that the Princess of Wales has come and attended today. It’s probably the only day we see the whole royal family together in public and I think the royals really appreciate it too. It’s the closest thing we have in the UK to a national day, so it makes it incredibly special.”

Kate said in a statement on Friday that she was making “progress” with her treatment but was honest about having “good days and bad days.” Despite working from home, she said, “I’m not over it yet.”

The outpouring of support has touched the princess, who said she was “overwhelmed” by the “messages of love” that helped both her and William “get through some of the most difficult times.”