SARAH VINE: Kate’s a star and we’ve missed her. This joyful picture will stop the silly speculation – and give us all a much needed boost

At the end of a rather gloomy week, an unexpected ray of sunshine: the Princess of Wales is to attend tomorrow’s Trooping the Colour alongside her children George, Charlotte and Louis.

This is immensely cheering news. As well as being a welcome distraction from the four horsemen of the impending political apocalypse (Sunak, Starmer, Farage and Davey), it’s also the perfect moment for the Princess to dip her toe back into public life – although Kensington Palace is at pains to explain that she is by no means returning to work full-time, since she still has several rounds of chemotherapy to complete.

They have made it very clear that, keen as she is to resume her role as a full-time working royal, the Princess’s health remains the Royal Family’s utmost priority, as does her privacy at this trying time.

Kate is pictured in the gardens of Kensington Palace, ahead of Trooping the Colour
The Princess of Wales arrives in a horse-drawn carriage for Trooping the Colour in 2023

The Princess of Wales is not yet returning to her role as a working royal full-time, but she will attend tomorrow’s Trooping the Colour

Quite right, too. Despite intense speculation and swirling conspiracies about her illness (particularly on social media), the Princess has every right to manage her process of recovery as she sees fit.

Cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease. It affects everyone very differently. Sometimes people feel the need to share what’s happening to them; sometimes they just want to be left alone to process it all in private.

Kate stands on the balcony at Buckingham Palace with Prince William and their children
Kate stands on the balcony at Buckingham Palace with Prince William and their children

The Colonel’s Review parade, which took place as part of last year’s celebrations

The Colonel’s Review parade, which took place as part of last year’s celebrations

King Charles has opted for the former, the Princess for the latter – and that’s absolutely fine. The important thing is that they are both recovering.

It’s interesting that she’s chosen quite a formal event for her return and not, say, something like the Chelsea Flower Show, which some might see as a bit more her style.

But unlike some royal spouses I could mention, she’s not one to monopolise proceedings. The Princess of Wales understands the assignment, and always puts duty ahead of self. She knows how significant the King’s official birthday parade is in the royal calendar, and how much her making the effort to be there, despite her ill-health, will be appreciated by the public.

It will also be a great show of strength and mutual support, a signal that more than ever, the Royals are united in the face of adversity.

There may also be an element of gentle diplomacy in this decision, as there was that kerfuffle back in March when the Ministry of Defence announced she would be attending, only for the Palace to issue a denial. That was a bit of a messy time for everyone with an awful lot of crossed wires, so perhaps this is her way of drawing a line under it all.

It’s also the case that conspiracy loves a vacuum, and so perhaps the aim of this appearance is also to put a stop to silly speculation, especially on social media.

Certainly, if the latest picture of her, taken a few days ago in the garden of Windsor Castle, is anything to go by, she’s doing very well indeed.

Standing alone beneath a mighty willow, surrounded by greenery, she looks serene and rather pensive. It’s a peaceful, slightly wistful image, very different from the glitz and glamour with which she is normally associated. Not that she looks anything less than chic, in a simple white T and trainers, skinny jeans and blazer. The only hint of sparkle is her engagement ring, firmly in place.

All eyes will be on the Princess at tomorrow’s ceremony, and rightly so. She’s a star, and we’ve all missed her. I can’t wait to see her back to full strength.

Listen to Sarah Vine share her views on the biggest stories of the week on The Reaction now, wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube.