‘Colonel’ Kate Middleton Apologises For Missing Army Parade, Her Regiment Responds

UK royal Kate Middleton, who is battling cancer, apologised to the Irish Guards in an emotional letter on Saturday. She said she was sorry for missing a major rehearsal for the Trooping of the Colour event.

“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 practising for months and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate,” Middleton wrote in her letter.

Trooping the Colour is a grand ceremonial parade held in London to celebrate the official birthday of the British monarch. It involves regiments of the British Army with their military bands and pageantry.

Kate Middleton is the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards. She was appointed in this position by King Charles last year.

“Being your colonel remains a great honour, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s review. 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,” the letter continued.

Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE will replace Kate Middleton and fill in the role of Inspecting Officer at the traditional Colonel’s Review as the latter ‘continues her recovery’, the Kensington Palace said.

The guard responded to the Princess of Wales’ letter saying they were deeply touched.

“The Irish Guards were deeply touched to receive a letter from our Colonel, Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales this morning. We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send Her our very best wishes. Quis Separabit,” the guard posted on its page on social media site X.

Reports by NBC and the New York Post said that it remains unclear if Kate Middleton would attend the Trooping the Colour event. It said that she is reportedly “considering” an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Since revealing her cancer diagnosis to the world in March, the Princess of Wales has largely stayed out of the public eye.

A person familiar with the developments told Us Weekly that Kate Middleton “may never come back in the role that people saw her in before”.

In March, Middleton covered a $2,500 tab for the Irish Guard at their regimental bar in Aldershot, UK, after missing the St. Patrick’s Day parade due to a medical procedure.