Kate, who is colonel of the regiment, said she was sorry to miss the event, the final rehearsal for the Trooping the Colour parade, and wanted to show her support (Picture: Getty/Irish Guards)
Princess Kate has written a touching letter to the Irish Guards apologising for missing the final rehearsal for the Trooping the Colour parade as she continues her recovery from cancer.
The Princess of Wales, who is Coloner-in-Chief of the regiment, spoke of her pride in them and added that being Colonel ‘remains an honour’.
Her letter said: ‘I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.
‘Please pass on my apologies to the whole regiment, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.’
The Colonel’s Review is held seven days ahead of the Trooping the Colour parade which has marked the sovereign’s birthday for more than 260 years.
Kate’s letter is a major hint she will miss the ceremony, a major fixture in the royal calendar, although reports suggest the princess could watch on from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
She appealed for time, space and privacy for her family when she announced on March 22 she was being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.
The Princess of Wales’s letter (Picture: Irish Guards/Kensington Palace)
The Prince of Wales gave a positive update about his wife’s treatment during a visit to the Isles of Scilly earlier in May, saying ‘she’s doing well’ when questioned by a hospital administrator.
The Irish Guards posted a video of the letter being read to the regiment on X saying: ‘The Irish Guards were deeply touched to receive a letter from our colonel, Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales this morning.
‘We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send her our very best wishes. Quis Separabit.’
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The Regiment gave a round of applause after the letter was read out.
Kate will be represented at the Colonel’s Review by General James Bucknall, who will act as the chief inspecting officer of the day in the princess’ absence.
During the Trooping ceremony, held on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, it is understood the King will carry out the review of the Guardsmen and officers from an Ascot Landau carriage with the Queen.
The change from last year’s ceremony, where Charles inspected the troops on horseback, reflects earlier Buckingham Palace briefings where it was highlighted that each engagement by the King would be reviewed and adaptations made when advised by doctors.
Charles is likely to travel by carriage with the Queen during the traditional procession to and from Horse Guards Parade, and is expected to watch the Trooping ceremony seated on a dais, rather than on horseback.
The colour which will be ‘trooped’ past the massed ranks of guardsmen and officers will be from Number 9 Company, Irish Guards.
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