Royal fans have reacted to a touching detail in the first photos of Catherine, the Princess of Wales and her children at Trooping the Colour.
The mother-of-three sent hearts soaring as she arrived by carriage at the annual parade with Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Princess Catherine arrives at Trooping the Colour
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
It’s Kate’s first public appearance since she announced in March she was undergoing chemotherapy after an unspecified form of cancer was found during major abdominal surgery in January.
In the images, Kate and George, Charlotte and Louis can be seen smiling and laughing — a welcome sight to fans given the seriousness of their mother’s health battle.
Thousands took to social media to share their joy over seeing the young royals so happy and carefree.
“So touching to see the children smiling with their mother,” one wrote.
Another said: “Isn’t it lovely to see George, Charlotte and Louis with their mother. Such big smiles.”
A third wrote: “Beautiful family, what a beautiful sight this is.”
One more added: “Catherine, Charlotte, and boss baby! Completely worth waking up at the crack of dawn!”
Others were overjoyed to see Kate looking so “beautiful” and “more stunning than ever”.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Catherine, Princess of Wales,” one X user said.
Another wrote: “My heart!”
A third said: “Beautiful, beloved Catherine!”
One more wrote: “It’s a happy and glorious day for us all to see Catherine back where her passion lies. Serving the people.”
Another added: “The beaming Princess of Wales.”
In a statement on Friday evening, Kate said she was “looking forward” to attending the parade with family, and hoped to join further public engagements over the summer but knows she is “not out of the woods yet”.