At Trooping the Colour, Princess Catherine made a graceful return to public life, riding in a carriage with her children and waving to the delighted crowds.

Dressed in a white Jenny Packham gown with a black bow and a matching hat, her appearance was seen as a stylish tribute. Royal expert Michael Cole likened her look to Audrey Hepburn’s scene in My Fair Lady, saying, “Courage is grace under pressure… and I think we saw that with Kate.” He acknowledged the difficulty she must face undergoing chemotherapy under global scrutiny, calling it “an ordeal.”

The traditional balcony moment was more subdued this year, with fewer senior royals present. Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice were absent, as were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Royal commentator Tom Quinn revealed that the idea of inviting the Sussexes was briefly considered but quickly dismissed due to concerns that “they cast a dark shadow over everything.”

Harry reportedly did not acknowledge King Charles’s birthday or Father’s Day online, and it remains unclear if he reached out privately.

Just hours before the royal event, Meghan’s friend Nacho Figueras posted about a new raspberry jam from Meghan’s brand, American Riviera Orchard. The timing was met with backlash, with critics calling it “shocking” and “narcissistic.”

A source told the Daily Beast that the promotional post was likely Figueras’ idea, not Meghan’s, and emphasized the brand’s viral success despite minimal cost. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun that Meghan’s decision to have any brand activity on Trooping the Colour day was puzzling and ill-advised. “It’s very, very odd… She should have asked him not to post it,” he said.

Despite tensions, sources close to Harry and Meghan say they’ve made efforts to reconnect with the royal family, especially during Kate’s health battle.

Though they only learned of her cancer diagnosis through her public video, they reportedly reached out with well wishes. Communication with Kate and William remains “very limited,” but insiders say the Sussexes are “relieved and happy” about Kate’s recovery.

“They’ve jointly reached out to send well wishes,” a source told Closer, though they haven’t received much response. Meghan, in particular, is said to want to “end this feud” and come across as a peacemaker. “She’s ready to let the anger and bitterness go,” the insider added.

Relations with King Charles are also reportedly strained. He’s seen Archie only a few times and Lilibet once. Tom Quinn noted that Charles has considered visiting the U.S. and would want to see Harry and the children, but such a trip involves complex planning.

Still, he may consider a private visit, as he is “desperate to see them” and fears his grandchildren won’t remember him as a “warm, friendly grandfather.”