Kate Middleton issues an apology for missing major royal event

The Princess of Wales sent a personally signed letter to the Irish Guards, extending her best wishes to the regiment after missing their dress rehearsal for Trooping the Colour today.

According to the Mirror, as Colonel of the Irish Guards, the regiment trooping their colour this year, she would traditionally take the salute at the Colonel's Review, the traditional rehearsal ahead of the main event next week. However, due to her ongoing recovery from cancer, it was announced last week that Kate would not be attending and would be replaced by Lieutenant General James Bucknall.

To convey her regret, the princess wrote a letter to the Irish Guards, passing on her best wishes and pride in the regiment. The letter, on Kensington Palace headed paper and shared on the Irish Guards' account on X, stated: "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."

Kate concluded the letter by handwriting the Irish Guards' motto Quis Separabit, which means 'Who shall separate us?' and signing it 'Colonel Catherine.' The regiment also posted a video of the letter being read out to the troops, which received a round of applause at its conclusion. 

The Mirror reported that Kate has not been ruled out of making an appearance at the King's official birthday celebrations next weekend. She may appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony following the Trooping the Colour ceremony if she feels well enough. Palace sources insisted that the Princess would not return to official duties until given the all-clear by doctors and that any appearances would be sporadic.

The King, who has also been undergoing cancer treatment, will attend his birthday celebrations in London next Saturday. As part of his adjusted routine, instead of riding on horseback to inspect the troops, the monarch will travel in an Ascot Landau carriage with Queen Camilla. Palace sources noted that this change aligns with the guidance that the King's engagements would be "carefully reviewed."

Trooping the Colour is held annually as an official birthday event for the monarch, even though Charles' actual birthday is November 14. Royal sources indicated that other members of the Royal Family are expected to attend, following last year's precedent where only working members of the family were present.