Princess Kate apologizes for missing Colonel’s Review amid cancer treatment

LONDON — Kate, the Princess of Wales, has apologized for missing a military parade over the weekend as she continues her recovery after being 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 receiving cancer treatment. 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 dates back to the 17th century and 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.

The princess 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.