On Saturday, Kate Middleton’s letter to the Irish Guards was shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter, in which she apologized for missing a big rehearsal for Trooping the Colour. The event serves as King Charles’ birthday parade and the Princess of Wales traditionally has a role as the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, who are as the head of the event this year. It was her duty to “take the salute” as the Colonel’s Review, but amidst ongoing cancer treatment she was unable to attend.
In her message, Kate wrote of “how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping of the Colour.”
“I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate,” she continued. “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 Princess signed off with “Quis Separabit” and “Colonel Catherine.”
The Irish Guards thanked her for her letter in their tweet, writing, “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 @KensingtonRoyal @ArmyInLondon.”
Last year, Prince William served in the same role when the Welsh Guards regiment led the parade, as he is their honorary Colonel. This year, Lieutenant General James Bucknall stepped in for Kate. He is a former Commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.