AN EMOTIONAL Princess Kate came close to tears as she watched heroic war veterans take to the stage at the annual Festival of Remembrance.

The Princess of Wales, 42, stood next to husband Prince William as the pair stood up and clapped for the brave World War Two troops.

Princess Kate became emotional as she clapped for the WW2 veteransCredit: BBC

8

Her and Wills showed their appreciation for the British heroesCredit: BBC

8

Both Kate and Wills had a sombre look on their facesCredit: BCC

Kate, Wills, Charles and Anne could all be seen next to each other at the Remembrance eventCredit: PA
Kate’s appearance at the Royal Albert Hall was her first major event since finishing chemotherapy.

She was wearing an all black blazer and dress combo and had a poppy on to mark the occasion.

As the stylish princess walked into the grand venue she was visually beaming with joy at returning to her royal duties.

Holding a black clutch bag – believed to be Chanel – and tall matching heels, Kate was seen holding onto a supportive Wills as they went ot take their seats.

The beloved couple were sat in a royal box next to King Charles – who came alone – and Princess Anne.

They watched on as a heartfelt ceremony took place before a group of WW2 veterans took to the stage.

As a brass band played the audience all rose to their feet and started to applaud the brave troops for their service.

Footage shows a sombre Kate and Wills proudly clapping for the 1944 soldiers before the camera also pans to King Charles and Sir Keir Starmer.

One clip of Kate shows her getting emotional during the minute long spectacle as she purses her lips and appears to hold back tears.

Beaming Kate arrives at 1st Royal event since finishing chemo as she joins William and Charles at Festival of Remembrance
Standing next to her Prince William looks just as moved by the touching applause.

The moment came directly after a heartbroken mum spoke about losing her son in Afghanistan.

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is staged annually on the Saturday evening of Remembrance weekend.

It honours sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth armed forces community and includes musical performances and personal testimonies.

This year’s festival will showcase the contribution of the World War Two generation 80 years on from the D-Day landings.

It also commemorates 25 years since Nato peacekeeping forces were deployed in Kosovo as well as 10 years since the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan.

The Princess of Wales will also appear at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph tomorrow.

8

The Prince and Princess of Wales seen inside the venueCredit: Reuters

8

Kate was seen wearing a stylish black outfit for the eventCredit: AFP
It marks a significant step in the brave princess’ return to public duties after she stepped back for eight months following treatment on an undisclosed form of cancer.

In a video released in September, Kate said she had finished her chemotherapy treatment.

She also spoke of how she was “looking forward to being back at work” and taking part in “a few more” engagements in the coming months.

But Kate said her focus remained “doing what I can to stay cancer free”.

Tonight is Kate’s first appearance since she made a surprise trip to meet families of the Southport knife attack victims last month.

At the start of October, she was also pictured hugging an aspiring teenage photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer – after inviting her to take photos at Windsor Castle.

Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate, and her family privately met with Kate and WIlliam after the Investiture ceremony.

Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery

JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery

JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent abdominal surgery

JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside

JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week

JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital

FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health

MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate

Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo

Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William

Mar 16: Royal fans spot the Princess at farm shop near Windsor

Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport

Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior

Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis

April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos

June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but pens letter to Irish Guards revealing: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”

June 15: Kate attends Trooping the Colour alongside her family

July 14: Kate attends the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Princess Charlotte

August 11: Kate and William release video congratulating Team GB after the Paris Olympics

August 25: Kate is seen heading to church

September 9: Kate shares moving video revealing she has finished chemotherapy

October 15: Kate shares hand written note during Baby Loss Awareness Week

8

Prince William was seen with his arm around his wife Kate’s back

8

A band performs during the Remembrance eventCredit: Reuters