Princess Kate expressed her gratitude to the Kingsguard during the final rehearsal for the royal parade. She wished the Irish Guards good luck as they prepared for the Trooping the Color parade, which celebrates the monarch’s birthday.
It was previously confirmed by CBS News that Kate would not be able to attend the Colonel’s Review, the parade dress rehearsal scheduled for Saturday. However, she sent a letter to the Irish Guards, apologizing for her absence as the honorary colonel of the guard.
In the letter, Princess Kate expressed her deep regret for not being able to salute the regiment during this year’s Colonels Review. She asked the Irish Guards to convey her apologies to the entire regiment and assured them that she looks forward to representing them in the near future.
The Colonel’s Review serves as a dress rehearsal for the annual military parade held in June to celebrate the king’s official birthday. King Charles III will oversee the ceremony on June 15.
It is still uncertain whether Kate will be able to attend the ceremony next week. Currently, she is undergoing treatment for cancer and has stepped down from her public duties. Kensington Palace has not provided any updates on her condition or when she might return to work.
Prince William, Kate’s husband, mentioned last month that she is doing well. Meanwhile, the king, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, has resumed his public duties. He recently attended the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Trooping the Color is a longstanding tradition where troops parade past the monarch in full uniform, carrying their ceremonial flags known as “colours.” King Charles is expected to travel to the event in a carriage with Queen Camilla and watch the ceremony from a dais, rather than on horseback as he did last year.
The Irish Guard confirmed their participation in the parade.
