Kate's position at Trooping the Colour signals royal life returning to normal

Kate Middleton sent a subtle but strong message about her role in the Royal family as she attended this year’s Trooping the Colour.

The Princess of Wales did not just watch the parade like last year but instead she stood on the parade ground next to King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Prince William’s wife was there in her official role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, a position she couldn’t fulfil last year due to her cancer treatment.

Analyzing her appearance, royal expert Jennie Bond said this moment showed that Kate is back to taking on royal duties and is seen as a key part of the monarchy’s future.

"I also thought it was highly significant to see Catherine on the dais alongside the King and Queen,” she told The Mirror.

Bond continued, "She was there not only as a very senior member of the Royal Family but as Colonel in Chief of the Irish Guards as they marched by.”

“It was a very powerful image of our next Queen alongside her father-in-law who has made no secret of the respect he has for Catherine, especially after the cancer journey they have shared.

“It certainly gave you the feeling that royal life is pretty much back on track after the scary past 18 months."

She also noted how Prince of Wales’ position next to his father on the Buckingham Palace balcony was a sign that the royal family is returning to normal.

"I think the fact that William stood next to his father on the balcony was a signal that things are returning to normal,” she said.

“Last year was an exception, with the Princess of Wales taking on her first public duty since her cancer diagnosis, and I think the King was showing his special support for her by asking her to stand alongside him.

“But today it was the correct order and, in a way, that was quite reassuring.