Usually, at Wimbledon, all eyes are on Centre Court, but on July 14, heads turned towards the Royal Box as Princess Catherine, her daughter Princess Charlotte, and her sister Pippa Middleton took their seats. The Princess of Wales received a standing ovation, a moment that gave the crowd and millions of viewers at home goosebumps. Prior to this, she attended the Trooping the Colour celebrations on June 15. However, following these appearances, Royal Watchers shouldn’t expect to see her again anytime soon. The Princess of Wales is reportedly poised to once again retreat from public life as she continues her cancer treatment.
In the absence of regular new appearances, supporters have taken to social media to post highlights from past engagements and events, with a number regularly reaching viral status. Uploaded to TikTok by a user on July 20, a compilation of footage showing Catherine's more powerful public appearances has reached over 1 million views on the video-sharing platform so far. Captioned "The Aura," the footage includes clips from the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, which took place at Westminster Abbey in 2023, as well as the Commonwealth Day service held at the same location that year.
For both appearances, Catherine's fashion choices were widely praised. On Coronation Day, Catherine wore a custom Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen white silk gown steeped in historic symbolism. The neckline and hem of the design were embellished with silver bullion embroidery in the shape of the floral emblems of the United Kingdom: roses for England, thistles for Scotland, daffodils for Wales, and shamrocks for Northern Ireland. Catherine's Commonwealth Day outfit was designed by Erdem, one of her favorite fashion houses, and took the form of a vintage-inspired skirt suit in deep navy with a small-scale white floral print.
The viral video has received in excess of 140,000 likes so far and numerous comments, many of which have praised Catherine and her aura—a word used to describe a distinctive atmosphere possessed by a given source. "The first clip after the intro was so much power! OMG," wrote one user. "Aura maxed out," posted another, with a further user adding, "Her at the coronation of King Charles was so powerful."
Catherine's recent cancer diagnosis has indeed given her a new outlook on life. Royal experts emphasize that this life-altering experience has changed her perspective and priorities. "When you have had an experience like this, it changes your perspective and the order of things," one expert told the press. This shift in priorities is evident in Catherine's approach to her public and private life. She is now more focused on her health and family, ensuring that she is in the best possible condition to fulfill her royal duties when she is able.
The public's response to Catherine's appearances has been overwhelmingly positive. Her courage and resilience have inspired many, and her ability to maintain her regal presence despite her personal challenges has earned her even greater respect. The standing ovation at Wimbledon was not just for her presence at the event but for her strength and determination in the face of adversity.
As Catherine continues her treatment and takes time to focus on her health, the public's admiration and support will undoubtedly remain strong. Her recent appearances have shown that she is not only a beloved member of the royal family but also a source of inspiration and strength for many. Her ability to balance her royal duties with her personal challenges is a testament to her character and resilience.
Catherine's stunning appearance at Wimbledon and her participation in the Trooping the Colour celebrations have once again demonstrated her unwavering dedication to her role as the Princess of Wales. Despite the challenges she faces, she continues to inspire and captivate the public with her grace and strength. As she takes time to focus on her health, the support and admiration from her fans and the public will undoubtedly continue to be a source of strength for her in the coming months. Royal Watchers will eagerly await Catherine's return to public life. Until then, her recent appearances will remain memorable moments that showcase her enduring elegance and resilience.