Princess Kate has issued a rare message after missing a major royal engagement as she continues to undergo cancer treatment.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, sent a touching message to the Irish Guards ahead of their final rehearsal of their Trooping the Colour parade in honour of the King’s birthday.
Kate became the Colonel of the regiment in 2022 – at the same time William became Colonel of the Welsh Guards – and would have attended the Colonel’s Review on Saturday if she had been available.
However she has remained out of action in 2024 following her cancer diagnosis.
In the message shared by the Irish Guards on X, the Duchess of Cambridge wished the guards well in the event.
“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire Regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour.
“I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.
“Being your Colonel remains a great honour, and I am very sorry that I’m unable take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.
Kate also apologised for her absence, saying she hoped to return “very soon”.
“Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon,” she said.
“Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.”
The Irish Guards said they were “deeply touched” to receive the letter and wished the princess well in her recovery.
The main parade takes place on Saturday, June 15, marking the British sovereign’s birthday.
Hundreds of Brits will take to the streets of London to catch a glimpse of some 1,400 soldiers and 200 horses on parade.
This year, Lieutenant General James Bucknall will step in to fulfil Princess Catherine’s usual role as Inspecting Officer and take the salute.
Reports emerged just over a week before the Colonel’s Review that Kate would not be attending, leading GB News presenter Emily Carver to express concern her recovery was not “complicating.”
“So, I do hope this isn’t a sign her recovery is complicating somewhat, but the good news is, the Royal Palace have confirmed that the King will be in attendance at this year’s Trooping the Colour event,” she told Sky News host Danica de Giorgio last month.
“But yes, we know Princess Kate will be absent because of her recovery after her cancer diagnosis, but this is a major royal event, you know 200 soldiers take part, you’ve got 240 horses involved, so if she is suffering with her health, it’s probably not the best place for her to be.”
Kate, 42, sent shockwaves around the world when in March she announced she was undergoing chemotherapy after being told she had cancer following major abdominal surgery in January.
She remains on an indefinite hiatus from public life while she undergoes “preventative” chemotherapy treatment.