The Princess of Wales has apologized to the Irish Guards for her absence from a major military parade rehearsal as she continues to battle against cancer in private, two months on from her emotional appeal for privacy.
The Trooping the Colour march is a celebration of King Charles III‘s birthday, but Kate Middleton was not present as she looks to recover from the disease that was discovered in her body back in January, after she underwent undisclosed abdominal surgery in London.
Yet, despite the very understandable and forgivable circumstances of her absence, the future Queen Consort of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth still took the time to write a letter to the Irish Guards for missing the rehearsal, demonstrating the character she has.
“I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months,” Middleton wrote in the letter on June 8. “And dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.
“Being your colonel remains a great honor 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 42-year-old serves as an honorary colonel of the Irish Guards, who lead the celebrations for 2024, meaning she should have been there to take the Colonel’s Review and produce the salute to the King.
But Kensington Palace already confirmed on May 30 that she would not be present, as she’s not prepared to conduct public-facing duties yet although she continues to recover. Despite that, there’s no hard feelings from the Irish Guards.
“”The Irish Guards were deeply touched to receive a letter from our Colonel, Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales this morning,” the Irish Guards wrote on social media. “We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send Her our very best wishes.