The Princess of Wales has made just her third public appearance of the year in a blink-and-miss-it spot in a video tribute to Britain’s Olympians.

But it was perhaps husband Prince William who caused the biggest stir in the video he and Kate posted to their social media late on Sunday (British time).

The footage opens with US rapper Snoop Dogg – one of the surprise stars of the Paris Games – saying “greetings loved ones”.

It then cuts to the royal couple.

“From all of us watching at home, congratulations to Team GB,” the Princess of Wales said.

The 42-year-old is clad in a striped cotton top, similar to the one she wore in her bombshell message back in March to reveal she was having treatment for cancer.

Next to her, Prince William wears a blue Adidas polo with the Olympics logo. He also sports some unusual-for-him stubble – the prince hasn’t been seen with a beard since 2008.

“Well done on all you’ve achieved, you’ve been an inspiration to us all,” the prince said.

William’s beard has caused a stir among royal fans online, while Kate’s apparent good health is also being welcomed.

Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between: Prince William. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pgTtX1kjYK

— Isa (@isaguor) August 11, 2024

She has been seen out and about in public only twice this year since Christmas – for the Trooping the Colour in June and the Wimbledon men’s final in July.

She and William and their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 – are enjoying a summer break that is believed to include some time at Balmoral, the royals’ Scottish retreat.

Kensington Palace has refused to give specific details of Kate’s cancer or her overall medical condition, other than to say the treatment had begun in February.

Ahead of the Trooping the Colour, the annual military parade to mark the King’s official birthday, the princess released a statement saying she she hoped to attend other events over the British summer.

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” she said in a personal written message ahead of that appearance.

“My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months.”

Neither she nor the Prince of Wales were seen in Paris during the Games.

Their inspirational tribute video also featured messages from a host of other celebrities, including David Beckham, Emma Willis and former American sprinter Michael Johnson. It finished with more words from Snoop.

“Thank you Great Britain. On behalf of Snoop Dogg, the prince and his lovely wife,” he said, before clasping his hands together and bowing his head.

A message from His Majesty The King, as Head of the Commonwealth, following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Please follow the link to read the message in full: https://t.co/3ZSNsrfajo pic.twitter.com/1uEcYGFwuc

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) August 11, 2024

Kate and William’s message was accompanied by one from the King.

“My wife joins me in sending our warmest congratulations to the competitors and their support teams from Team GB and across the whole Commonwealth, for their many outstanding successes at the Olympic Games in Paris,’’ he said.

“Your achievements, across so many disciplines, were forged from that invaluable combination of raw talent, true grit and hard toil over many years, burnished these past weeks by sportsmanship and team spirit in the finest tradition of the Games.

“To those who missed out on the greatest prizes, you have most certainly not fallen short in the pride that you, too, have generated for your nations.’’