Prince William and Princess Kate made a stunning return to the spotlight after nearly a month of separation amid her “rollercoaster” cancer recovery.
On Tuesday, July 8, The Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, at RAF Northolt on behalf of the King, marking the start of the French state visit to the U.K.
Looking every inch the power couple, William and Kate greeted the Macrons before joining King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
It was their first joint appearance since the Order of the Garter service in mid-June, and it came just days after the Princess opened up about the emotional toll of her post-treatment recovery during a visit to Colchester Hospital.
“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment… but actually the phase afterwards is really difficult,” she said at the time.
But in a video of Macron’s state visit shared by Kensington Palace on the Prince and Princess of Wales official Instagram account, Kate looked absolutely radiant.
“Bienvenue Président,” read the caption, translating to, “Welcome President.”
For the occasion, Princess Catherine wore French designer Christian Dior for the first time — a blush-toned Bar Jacket from the 2024 collection, paired with a Jess Collett hat and heirloom pearls from both Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth.
While Kate has made a few solo appearances recently, this outing marked the royal couple’s first time in public together after royal watchers were left disappointed when William stepped out for the Royal Ascot solo.
At the time, Palace sources clarified that the mom-of-three is finding the right balance as she returns to public duties since announcing her cancer remission earlier this year.