Kate Middleton Steps Out in a White Jenny Packham Dress for First Public Appearance of the Year

LONDON — Kate Middleton has stepped out for her first public appearance this year at Trooping the Colour.

The Princess of Wales wore a white Jenny Packham dress to the annual event that takes place on Horse Guards Parade near the City of Westminster.

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The dress features a black and white bow that matched her wide white brim hat by Philip Treacy and white pearl earrings from Cassandra Goad that the princess has previously worn to Prince Louis’ christening in 2019 and to the Wimbledon 2023 women’s singles final ceremony.

Middleton wore a pair of white Jimmy Choo shoes and carried a Mulberry clutch.

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrives to Horse Guards Parade for the King's Birthday Parade "Trooping the Colour" in London on June 15, 2024. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is making a tentative return to public life for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer, attending the Trooping the Colour military parade in central London. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Her last public appearance as a member of the British royal family was on Christmas Day last year.

On Friday, the princess took to social media to share the announcement of her slow return to the public eye. In a statement, she expressed her gratitude for the support she’s received and offered an update on her health.

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, (R) arrives with Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, (rear 3rdR) and their children Britain's Prince George of Wales (2ndR) and Britain's Prince Louis of Wales (C) to Buckingham Palace before the King's Birthday Parade "Trooping the Colour" in London on June 15, 2024. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is making a tentative return to public life for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer, attending the Trooping the Colour military parade in central London. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Catherine, Princess of Wales with Prince William, Prince of Wales their children on their way to Buckingham Palace before Trooping the Colour parade.

“I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times,” she said.

Her statement also featured a photo of the Princess of Wales in dark blue jeans, a white shirt and taupe blazer standing outside by a large tree and looking skyward. The image was captured by photographer Matt Porteous.

Trooping the Colour is a key affair for the royal family and it’s often a celebratory one.

The event, which often takes place in June, is a parade that commemorates and celebrates the birthday of the monarch.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 17: Catherine, Princess of Wales is seen during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a traditional parade held to mark the British Sovereign's official birthday. It will be the first Trooping the Colour held for King Charles III since he ascended to the throne. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Catherine, Princess of Wales at Trooping the Colour in 2023.

The Princess of Wales often supports homegrown designers at Trooping the Colour such as Stella McCartney, Erdem and Alexander McQueen, but last year, she made a surprising choice by wearing an Andrew Gn design.

She wore an emerald green coatdress with a satin trim to represent her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, with a matching hat by Philip Treacy.

Kate Middleton & More at Trooping the Colour 2024 [PHOTOS]

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 15: Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince George of Wales during Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial parade celebrating the official birthday of the British Monarch. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums march and perform in perfect harmony. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrives to Horse Guards Parade for the King's Birthday Parade "Trooping the Colour" in London on June 15, 2024. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is making a tentative return to public life for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer, attending the Trooping the Colour military parade in central London. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 15: Catherine, Princess of Wales during Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial parade celebrating the official birthday of the British Monarch. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums march and perform in perfect harmony. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

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The dress featured blue jeweled embellishments that matched her sapphire engagement ring and earrings which belonged to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Below, see more of Kate Middleton’s style at Trooping of the Colour through the years.

Launch Gallery: Kate Middleton & More at Trooping the Colour 2024 [PHOTOS]

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