Kate Middleton is apologizing for missing the Colonel’s Review of Trooping the Color in the midst of cancer treatment.
In a letter shared by the Irish Guards on social media, the Princess of Wales expressed regret that she could not be there to greet them during the high-profile rehearsal. In the letter dated June 3, Middleton shared that she wanted them to know that she is “proud of the entire Regiment before the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Color.”
“Being your colonel continues to be a great honor and I am very sorry that I will not be able to receive the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review,” she added. “Please convey my apologies to the entire Regiment, but I hope to be able to represent you all once again soon.”
The Colonel’s Review, where soldiers in scarlet coats and fur hats will march accompanied by military bands, is scheduled for Saturday. The mother of three children was appointed colonel of the Irish Guards in 2022, taking on the role in honor of her longtime husband, Prince William.
The review typically serves as the final parade rehearsal before Trooping the Color on June 15. ET has learned that Gen. James Bucknall will replace Middleton as inspection officer in the review.
In turn, King Charles, who is also being treated for unspecified cancerwill be present at Trooping the Color, although he will inspect the troops in a carriage rather than on horseback, as he did in 2023. In late April, the monarch participated in his first public engagement since announcing his diagnosisfittingly entering University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Center in London alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.
Meanwhile, royal expert Katie Nicholl tells ET that Middleton turned a positive situation around your battle against cancer.
“She’s tolerating this preventive chemotherapy to improve. I think she had a hard time at first. She is on strong drugs, but she is tolerating them better and is doing better,” says Nicholl. “We have received reports from members of the public that she is away from home. I heard from some people that… she left with the kids. This is a very positive sign.”
As for when Middleton will be able to return to public duties, that remains unclear.
“She’s made it very clear that she wants to stay out of the spotlight,” explains Nicholl. “She needs this period and off the radar for her recovery. We’re so used to seeing her on that porch.”
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