Catherine, Princess of Wales has given a rare update to her fans as she continues to undergo cancer treatment, after it caused her to miss another major royal engagement.
Princess Catherine broke her silence in a heartfelt letter to the Irish Guards ahead of the annual Trooping the Colours.
The Princess of Wales who serves as the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards wrote to the Irish Guards apologising for missing the final rehearsal of the annual Trooping the Colour event.
News Corp columnist Louise Roberts joined Sky News host Caroline Di Russo to discuss the latest on the Royal Family.
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.
Kate Middleton has issued a rare message after missing a major royal engagement as she goes through cancer treatment. Picture: Gareth Fuller – WPA Pool/Getty Images
“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.”
Prince George of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales (Colonel of the Irish Guards), Prince Louis of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales (Colonel of the Welsh Guards) and King Charles III (wearing his Welsh Guards uniform) at Trooping the Colour 2023. Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
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.”
Former ITN Royal Editor Tim Ewart says people in the UK are still “quite concerned” about Princess Kate’s health.
Prince William has told veterans at a D-Day event that Princess Kate is getting better and would love to have attended as his wife continues her cancer treatment out of the public eye.
“There have been no formal medical bulletins, we still don’t know what form of cancer Kate has or specifically what treatment she is receiving,” Mr Ewart said.
“The crucial moment in the short term is going to come over the next week when she is due to appear at Trooping the Colour.”
“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.