Credits: Katie Chan / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0.
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, apologized in a letter for her absence from the full dress rehearsal of Trooping the Colour. This annual event celebrates the birthday of the British sovereign, currently Charles III. The rehearsal took place on Saturday, June 8, in London, ahead of the official ceremony on June 15.
As Colonel of the Irish Guards, Kate Middleton sent a letter to the soldiers to express her regret at not being able to attend this review. "I am proud of the entire regiment," she wrote, adding that being their colonel is a great honor. Her letter was read to the soldiers by Lieutenant General James Bucknall.
Kate Middleton has been out of public life since December, for reasons beyond her control. She had been appointed colonel by Charles III in December 2022. Since the announcement of her illness last March, she has withdrawn from the public eye. Recently, she was unable to accompany Prince William to Normandy for the D-Day commemorations.
Kate Middleton’s absence from public events continues to raise concern. Her presence on the Buckingham balcony during the June 15 ceremony has not yet been confirmed. Since the announcement of her illness, she has not been seen in public. The princess revealed her health condition in a video aired on the BBC in March.
In closing her letter, Kate Middleton expressed hope of representing the regiment again soon. "I’m sorry not to be there this year, but I hope to be able to represent you very soon," she wrote to the Irish Guards. We very much hope that her wish will come true.