King Charles has ‘Leadership Moment’ Amid Cancer Battle

King Charles III will get the opportunity to present himself as a strong leader of the monarchy at the Trooping the Colour celebrations in London this June. The institution has been rocked by health issues and a political setback since the beginning of the year.

In February, Charles announced that he was being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer. This was followed weeks later by daughter-in-law Princess Kate receiving a similar diagnosis. After a period of convalescence, the monarch was cleared to begin public-facing engagements in April, and fans’ anticipation began building toward Trooping the Colour, the centerpiece of the royal ceremonial year.

This anticipation was, however, thwarted when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a snap general election earlier this month. This meant Charles had to release a statement saying that the royal family would reduce their public engagements so as not to detract attention from election campaigning ahead of the July 4 polling date.

Fears for Trooping the Colour were calmed on Tuesday. The British army has now confirmed that the large-scale military parade, which marks the monarch’s official birthday each year, will go ahead as planned on June 15, the U.K. newspaper Evening Standard reports.

The parade would see Charles troop the color (ceremonially salute the banner) of the Irish Guards regiment, of which Princess Kate is colonel. It also includes a carriage procession and Buckingham Palace balcony appearance by senior members of the royal family.

Though reports suggest Charles is eager to participate in the event, confirmation of his attendance is not expected from Buckingham Palace until closer to the date, with the monarch’s medical team being consulted.

Newsweek approached Buckingham Palace and the Ministry of Defence via email for comment.

For Charles, the ceremony offers an opportunity to be seen as the strong figurehead of the monarchy, despite still receiving treatment for cancer. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Newsweek that the monarch’s participation would be “especially significant” at this point in his reign.

“The king clearly plans to attend, despite undergoing treatment for cancer, though it is reported that he may use a carriage rather than ride, which he did last year,” Fitzwilliams said.

“King Charles’s appearance is especially significant during the period of his treatment for cancer, as it will clearly signify to a global audience that he is improving, as we have seen in the recent engagements he has carried out. During this difficult period, public appearances, especially on the commemoration of his birthday, are especially important.”

Traditionally, Trooping the Colour is attended by the senior working members of the royal family and, since her marriage, this has included Princess Kate.

In the weeks before the main celebration, the army regiment on parade undertakes a series of practice events, one of which is overseen by their colonel, known as “The Colonel’s Review.”

This year, as the Irish Guards are on parade, Kate’s attendance at both Trooping the Colour and The Colonel’s Review had been anticipated. However, following her cancer announcement on March 22, no date for the princess’ return to public life has yet been given, making her presence at the events unlikely.

On May 20, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said, per the BBC: “The princess is not expected to return to work until it’s cleared by her medical team.”