In a new letter, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, expressed regret to the —a Foot Guards regiment of the British Army—for missing today’s final rehearsal of the annual event, and conveyed her best wishes to the regiment.
“I wished to acknowledge and convey my pride for the entire Regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour,” Middleton wrote in the letter. “I recognize that everyone attending this year’s event has dedicated themselves through months of practice, ensuring the utmost precision in uniforms and drill.”
She further stated in the letter that her role as the Colonel of the Irish Guards is a “privilege” and expressed her aspiration to represent the Regiment again “in the near future.”
The British Army had initially listed Middleton on their website as an attendee of today’s parade, known as the Colonel’s Review. This prestigious event serves as the final rehearsal prior to the King’s Birthday Parade, scheduled to take place on June 15. Middleton’s role as Colonel typically entails her presence at such events.
However, in early March, prior to the public announcement of Middleton’s diagnosis, the U.K. Army its claim of her attendance, amidst speculation regarding the Princess’s presence.
The Princess of Wales’ absence coincides with her ongoing break from public duties following the announcement of her following a scheduled abdominal surgery. In a video message shared on March 22, Middleton described the diagnosis as a “significant shock”, requiring time for herself and her family to process the news. The mother of three stated that she would be undergoing a course of “”
The Irish Guard’s official X (formerly Twitter) account in light of the royal’s correspondence. “The Irish Guards were deeply touched to receive a letter from our Colonel, Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales this morning,” they stated. “We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and extend our best wishes to her.”
Accompanying the X post is listening to Middleton’s letter aloud, accompanied by applause at the conclusion.
In Middleton’s absence, Lieutenant General James Bucknall, the former commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps .
King Charles III, who in February with an undisclosed form of cancer, is the final Trooping the Colour parade on June 15.