As the royal family prepares to celebrate Trooping the Colour in less than a week, Kate Middleton is speaking out. Though the Princess of Wales has remained rather quiet this year — including after sharing a video that revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer — now she’s addressing the Irish Guards in a new letter. Though she was originally supposed to attend the parade ahead of the big event, now she’ll be skipping out on the festivities in light of her health crisis.
Kate sent the letter to a regiment of the British Army.
As the colonel of the Irish Guards, Kate was due to attend a parade called the Colonel’s Review, which is the Guards’ final rehearsal before participating in Trooping the Colour on Saturday. But because she’s no longer able to make it, she sent a letter apologizing that she would have to miss out.
Kate said she hopes she’ll be able to represent them again ‘very soon.’
“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire Regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour,” she wrote. “I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.”
Kate continued, “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.”
The love and respect seem to be mutual.
Lt. Col. James Shaw issued a statement to GB News on behalf of the part of the military that performs in Trooping the Colour.
“We wish the Colonel of the Irish Guards the best of best wishes for her recovery. And again, the Irish Guards are hugely proud to have her as their Colonel and want to put on a really special show this year,” he said.
Kate’s cancer battle has reportedly been ‘grueling.’
According to what royal expert Katie Nicholl told Entertainment Tonight, treatment has reportedly been very difficult for Kate.
“She’s going through very grueling treatment that has really taken its toll on her,” Nicholl said. “While I’m told that she’s turned a corner and she’s doing better, she’s still going to be prone to infection as she goes through this preventative chemotherapy.”
That’s likely one of the biggest reasons she’s avoiding public appearances — to protect her immune system.
She could surprise people on Saturday.
There’s always a chance that Kate could show up on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on Saturday with the rest of the family, which might help alleviate some of the public’s concerns about her condition.
Whatever she chooses, hopefully Kate is feeling better every day.