Kate Middleton apologized to the Irish Guards in an emotional letter for missing a major rehearsal for the Trooping the Colour on Saturday morning.
“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire Regiment ahead of the Colonel’s review and Trooping of the [Color.] I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months and decidicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate,” Middleton’s letter read.
Trooping the Colour is an annual ceremonial Horse Guards Parade held each June in London celebrating King Charles’ official birthday parade.
Middleton is the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, a position Charles appointed her to last year.
“Being your colonel remains a great honor, and I am very sorry that I’m unable take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s review,” the letter continued. “Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.”
“Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.”
Middleton would be replaced by Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE in her usual role of Inspecting Officer at the traditional Colonel’s Review “as she continues her recovery, a Kensington Palace spokesperson told NBC.
It’s unclear if she will attend the Trooping the Colour but is reportedly “considering” an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
The Princess of Wales has remained largely out of the public eye since she revealed her cancer diagnosis to the world in March.
And it appears as though she “may never come back in the role that people saw her in before,” a source told Us Weekly.
The guard responded to the Princess of Wales’ letter saying they were deeply touched.
“We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send Her our very best wishes,” the guard posted to X.
In March, Middleton put down a $2,500 tab for the Irish Guard at the regimental bar in the UK town of Aldershot when she missed the St. Patrick’s Day parade over her procedure.
