LONDON — Kate, the Princess of Wales, has apologized for missing a military parade over the weekend as she continues her recovery after having been diagnosed with cancer.
Kate wrote to the Irish Guards, the British Army regiment she represents, to express her regret at not attending the Colonel’s Review, a traditional event that takes place a week before Trooping the Colour, a major annual parade to celebrate the king’s official birthday.
There had been speculation that Saturday's ceremony could be her first public appearance since she revealed in March that she was being treated for cancer. But Kensington palace confirmed last month that Kate, 42, would not make an appearance.
The Irish Guards said in a post on X that it had received her apology and released a video showing a senior officer reading out the letter.
“I wanted to write to you to let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the colonel’s review of Trooping the Colour,” her letter said.
“I appreciate everyone trooping the colour this year has been practising for months and dedicating many hours to making sure that their uniforms and drill are immaculate."
“Being your colonel remains an honour and I’m very sorry that I am unable to make the salute at this year’s colonel’s review,” she said. “Please pass on my apologies to the whole regiment. I do hope that I am able represent you all once again very soon.”
She signed off the letter “Quis separabit? Princess Catherine,” quoting the Latin motto of the regiment, which is taken from the Bible and means “who shall separate us?”
Also known as the king’s birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, which dates to the 17th century, this year will feature almost a thousand soldiers, 250 army musicians, 240 working military horses, 20 pipers and “an extremely large dog,” the army said.
King Charles III, who revealed his own cancer diagnosis in February, is expected to take part in next Saturday’s event, although he may not appear on horseback as he did at last year’s event.
He was due to present new colors to the Irish Guards at Windsor Castle on Monday ahead of the annual parade.
Kate spent nearly two weeks in a private London hospital in January to undergo abdominal surgery, and her office said she would step away from royal duties until at least after Easter.
Her absence from the public eye fueled media speculation and online conspiracy theories before she released a video in March confirming she was receiving cancer treatment.
As late as March 6, the army website advertising the Colonel's Review still said soldiers would be “reviewed by her royal highness the Princess of Wales,” in her honorary role as colonel of the Irish Guards regiment.
But after royal-watchers spotted that her appearance was still being publicized, all reference to her was removed from the web page.
Both Charles and Kate have declined to specify what type of cancer they have or details about their prognoses.
Prince William, Kate's husband and the heir to the British throne, said last week that she was feeling "better." He was due to meet with England's national soccer team Monday ahead of the European Championships.
