Princess Kate Apologizes for Missing Trooping the Colour Rehearsal Amid Cancer Recovery

Princess Kate has penned a heartfelt letter to the Irish Guards expressing her regret for not being able to attend the final rehearsal for the Trooping the Colour parade due to her ongoing battle with cancer.

As the Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, the Princess of Wales expressed her pride in them and emphasized that being Colonel is still a great honor for her.

In her letter, she apologized for not being able to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review and requested that her apologies be conveyed to the entire regiment. She expressed her hope of being able to represent them all once again in the near future.

The Colonel’s Review, which takes place seven days before the Trooping the Colour parade, has been a longstanding tradition in celebrating the sovereign’s birthday for over 260 years.

Kate’s letter strongly suggests that she will be absent from the ceremony, a significant event in the royal calendar. However, there are reports indicating that she may watch the parade from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

When she announced on March 22 that she was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, she appealed for time, space, and privacy for her family.

During a visit to the Isles of Scilly in May, the Prince of Wales provided a positive update on his wife’s treatment, stating that she is doing well when questioned by a hospital administrator.

The Irish Guards shared a video of the letter being read to the regiment, expressing their deep appreciation for receiving it from their colonel, Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales. They continue to wish her a speedy recovery and send their best wishes.

After the letter was read out, the regiment applauded in response.

At the Colonel’s Review, General James Bucknall will represent Kate in her absence and serve as the chief inspecting officer of the day.

During the Trooping the Colour ceremony, which takes place at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, it is understood that the King will conduct the review of the Guardsmen and officers from an Ascot Landau carriage alongside the Queen.

The contrast from the previous year’s ceremony, where Charles examined the troops on horseback, demonstrates the earlier briefings from Buckingham Palace emphasizing that each of the King’s engagements would be evaluated and adjustments made based on medical advice.

It is anticipated that Charles will accompany the Queen in a carriage during the traditional procession to and from Horse Guards Parade, and he is expected to observe the Trooping ceremony from a raised platform, rather than on horseback.

The final rehearsal for Trooping the Colour, in preparation for the King’s birthday parade, is currently taking place in London.

This year, the Number 9 Irish Guards will be parading their colors.

Five regimental bands, representing each of the foot guards, have gathered at Horse Guards Parade.

The Irish Guards’ mascot, a beloved Irish Wolf Hound named Turlough Mor but affectionately called Seamus, was led across the square by a drummer dressed in scarlet.

The dog was presented to the regiment as the soldiers lined up.

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@KensingtonRoyal @ArmyInLondon pic.twitter.com/y95rbmaeOS

— Irish Guards (@irish_guards) June 8, 2024

Field Officer in Brigade Waiting Lieutenant Colonel James Coleby issued commands to the regiment while riding a white horse named Onyx.

A royal salute was given, and the national anthem was played in its entirety.

The Household Calvary and the Mounted Band proceeded around the square alongside the carriage.

Horses marched in pairs both in front and behind the carriage, with two divisions leading and two following.

The procession then proceeded along the line of foot soldiers, simulating an inspection.

Sola Adeniji

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