Kate Middleton's Letter Of Apology To Irish Guards Raises Eyebrows Amid Cancer Battle
By Favour Adegoke on June 8, 2024 at 5:00 PM EDT
Updated on June 8, 2024 at 5:02 PM EDT
Kate Middleton apologized for missing a key Trooping the Colour rehearsal in a heartfelt letter to the Irish Guards, expressing regret. Despite her illness, she remains dedicated to her role. The Irish Guards have also responded to the princess with well wishes.
The Colonel's Review, a precursor to the King's Birthday parade, will proceed without Kate, with General James Bucknall stepping in. King Charles III, following medical advice due to his cancer treatment, will attend Trooping the Colour in a carriage alongside Queen Camilla.
Kate Middleton has been out of the public since announcing her cancer diagnosis and is presently undergoing "preventative chemotherapy."
Kate Middleton Apologizes For Missing Trooping The Color Rehearsal
Kate recently sent a letter to the Irish Guards, who are presenting their colors to the King this year, expressing her regret for missing an important rehearsal for Trooping the Colour.
In her message, the Princess of Wales wrote, "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. 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."
The princess concluded with, "Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved."
Kate had previously asked for time, space, and privacy for her family when she announced in March that she was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Irish Guards Respond To The Princess Of Wales' Letter Amid Her Health Struggles
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 pic.twitter.com/KQUgB1RmBE— Irish Guards (@irish_guards) June 8, 2024
In response to Kate's letter, the Irish Guards wrote on X: "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."
Royal fans praised Kate for sending the letter. One person said, "Absolutely beautiful from Catherine, and you could see all [were] very touched by her beautiful, meaningful letter. It brought a tear to my eyes."
"See, this is the way to behave & show respect for someone who is obviously still unwell instead of shouting their mouths off 'Where's Kate!'" another added.
"Catherine is fine and still attending to her duties. Even though she is suffering from ill health, she found time to honor her position as Col-in-Chief of the Irish Guards today," another user praised.
A fourth person said, "She has nothing to apologize for! She is undergoing chemo treatment..... It is terrible and has a huge impact on the body whilst killing cancer cells!"
Royal Fans Are Skeptical About Kate Middleton's Letter
On social media, royal fans reacted to the letter, with some expressing skepticism about its authenticity.
An individual claimed, "Kate Middleton probably didn't write that letter. Y'all are playing into the propaganda. Sad look."
Another said, "That letter is fake, and 'Colonel Catherine' gives it completely away. So again we ask, where is Kate Middleton???"
One X user wrote, "So you're running with a letter written on her behalf. Because she still hasn't been seen, but hey. Look, somebody gave you a letter."
"A computer-generated letter with a computer-generated signature. Not good enough. Something is up," another claimed.
The Princess of Wales previously silenced skeptics by releasing a video announcing her cancer diagnosis in March. However, people are getting vocal again about her whereabouts as the Trooping the Colour ceremony draws near.
Details On The Colonel's Review And Upcoming Trooping The Colour Ceremony
The Colonel's Review, a dress rehearsal for Trooping the Colour, would have seen Kate take the salute as the new Colonel-in-Chief of the Irish Guards, and her absence means she will miss what would have been her first Colonel's Review.
In her absence, General James Bucknall will represent Kate as the chief inspecting officer of the day.
The Colonel's Review is almost identical to The King's Birthday Parade, differing mainly in the presence of additional mounted officers in the latter.
According to the Daily Mail, Over 1,400 soldiers from the Household Division, The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and 400 musicians from the Massed Bands will parade on Horse Guards for the second of two formal Reviews. Additionally, 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards will line the processional route along The Mall.
Scheduled before the King's official birthday celebrations on Saturday, June 15, the event also features the traditional Buckingham Palace balcony appearance.
King Charles To Attend Trooping The Colour By Carriage Amid Cancer Treatment
Buckingham Palace confirmed to the Daily Mail that King Charles would attend Trooping the Colour and review the soldiers from a carriage, following the doctor's advice. The monarch will be accompanied by Queen Camilla.
While Charles has previously participated on horseback, it is now considered prudent for him to ride in an Ascot landau due to the ceremony's length and unpredictable weather as he is currently undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer diagnosis.
Although his doctors have now permitted him to undertake more public duties, each engagement must be carefully reviewed and adapted to prioritize his recovery.
Despite canceling several public engagements due to the General Election, key national and ceremonial events like Trooping the Colour remain unaffected.