Seeing Kate at Trooping the Color was a really “special” moment, says the soldier

Seeing Kate, Princess of Wales, at the Trooping of the Color was “very emotional” and a “special” moment, revealed the soldier who led the event.

The flagship annual celebration to mark King Charles’ official birthday took place on Saturday and also marked the princess’ first public appearance since stepping back from public duties last Christmas due to an ongoing health problem. It was also Kate’s first royal engagement since she revealed she was undergoing chemotherapy in March for an undisclosed form of cancer.

“It was really nice to see the Princess of Wales and of course the children. It made the day even more special,” said Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew “Vern” Stokes, from Telford.

“We prepared for the princess, just in case,” said GSM Stokes.

“Then we found out (she would attend) about an hour before the press release was issued on Friday,” reports the BBC.

READ MORE: Kate Middleton’s advice for children caught by lip reader at Trooping the Color

Featuring more than 1,000 soldiers of the Army Household Division, as well as a flyover of the Red Arrows, the lavish celebration involved hundreds of military workhorses and attracted thousands of spectators during the special celebration.

“The atmosphere is incredible,” GSM Stokes said. “When you’re on the parade ground, not only does everyone feel really special to be a part of the day, but there’s about five million people watching on TV at home in their living room.

“So it’s a really special day. Walking back to Buckingham Palace along the Mall, seeing all the union flags amid this wonderful music and tens of thousands of members of the public cheering for the King, that’s really special. moment,” he added.

It wasn’t just Trooping the Color that was taking place under the watchful eye of Major Stokes, as GSM Stokes also took part in the annual Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle on Monday, which saw King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William. step out in full ceremonial attire for the historic ceremony.

“It’s packed with audiences but it’s also really intimate,” he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

“Everyone gets to see the King and Queen as well as other members of the royal family and the Knights of the Garter up close, so it’s a lovely, intimate day.”