Princess Kate says sorry for missing Trooping the Colour event as she continues cancer treatment

8 June 2024, 10:48 | Updated: 8 June 2024, 14:13

Princess Kate has apologised for missing a Trooping the Colour rehearsal this weekend as she continues cancer treatment.

Kate is the Colonel of the Irish Guards, which is the regiment trooping their colour this year.

She would have been expected to take the salute at the Colonel's Review on Saturday, ahead of the main event next week.

However, she is still yet to return to public duties as she is receiving treatment following a cancer diagnosis.

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A letter from Kate, which was shared on the Irish Guards account on Twitter, said: "I wanted to write to 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 practising for months, and dedicating many hours to ensure their uniforms and drill are immaculate.

"Being your Colonel remains a great honour, and I am very sorry that I am unable to take the salute at this year's Colonel Review.

"Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however, I do hope I can represent you all again soon. Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved."

Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Brigade Major of Household Division, responded in a statement saying: "We totally understand, and our thoughts and best wishes are with Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.

"We were even more determined to make the Colonel's Review the best yet, for her.

"We are so proud to have the Princess of Wales as the Colonel of the Irish Guards."

The Colonel's Review is held seven days ahead of the Trooping the Colour parade, which marks the sovereign's birthday.

It is still unclear whether the princess, who is undergoing chemotherapy, will attend Trooping the Colour.

Charles, who has recently returned to public-facing duties, confirmed last week that he will be in attendance and inspect the soldiers from a carriage rather than on horseback as he has done previously.

During the parade on Saturday morning, the Irish Guards mascot, an Irish wolfhound named Turlough Mor but affectionately known as Seamus, was led across the square by a scarlet-coated drummer.

The dog was presented to the regiment as the soldiers lined up.

Field Officer in Brigade Waiting Lieutenant Colonel James Coleby shouted orders to the regiment while riding a white horse named Onyx.

A mock-up of the royal carriage, emulating the one which will hold the King in a week's time, arrived at Horse Guards Parade in time to reach the saluting base at exactly 11am.

A royal salute was given and the national anthem was played in full.

It comes after Kate announced on March 22 that she was being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.

Prince William gave a positive update about his wife's treatment during a visit to the Isles of Scilly earlier in May, saying "she's doing well" when questioned by a hospital administrator.

He was seen attending the society wedding of the year on his own on Friday.