READ MORE --From the moment the Princess of Wales was first spotted on her way to Buckingham Palace this morning, the nation delighted in their first glimpses of her as she returned to royal duties for the first time in six months.
The Princess joined what is a family occasion on the national stage - and kept a watchful eye on her children, but appeared to enjoy most of her first day in the spotlight following her diagnosis in February. Kate appeared solemn and deep in thought about her return to royal duties as she arrived at Buckingham Palace today
Then at 10.50am, the future Queen looked delighted and smiled as she was photographed travelling along The Mall, one of London's most famous thoroughfares, with her family in the glass state coach. Watching the horse-drawn vehicle draw in, Prince Louis sidles up to the front of the group and waves at the drivers
The Duchess of Edinburgh travelled in a coach with her daughter Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and the Duke of Kent. Finally, Kate stepped down wearing a Jenny Packham dress, hat by Philip Treacy and the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch, as she is the regiment's Colonel. The Princess of Wales smiles as she travels with Prince Louis from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade
The King also rode in a carriage with the Queen, a departure from last year because of his illness, and inspected the officers and guardsmen on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall from the coach rather than from a horse. Following the ceremony, the family left the building and got back into the carriage to join the royal procession back to Buckingham Palace just as heavy rain began falling in central London.Charlotte was seen waving enthusiastically and smiling to the crowds as they travelled back to the palace, while Kate and Louis also waved and smiled at onlookers.
Crowds cheered as the royal carriages travelled along The Mall, and Charlotte used her hand to clear the windows so the group could see out and be seen by well-wishers. Kate leaned over to speak to the King, who laughed at something she said - and the Royal Family then smiled and waved to crowds before standing proudly as the national anthem was played.
'It is probably the only day we see the entire royal family together in public and I think the royal family really appreciate the day as well - it's the closest thing we get in the United Kingdom to a national day, so all of that makes it incredibly special.'