Princess Kate apologizes for missing Colonel's review amid cancer treatment

LONDON — Kate, Princess of Wales, has apologized for missing a military parade this weekend as she continues her recovery after being diagnosed with cancer.

Kate has written to the Irish Guards, the British Army regiment she represents, to express her regret at not attending the Colonel's Review, a traditional event which takes place a week before Trooping the Colour, a major annual parade for 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 undergoing treatment for cancer. But Kensington Palace confirmed last month that Kate, 42, would not appear.

The Irish Guards said in a post on X that they had received his apology and released a video showing a senior officer reading the letter.

“I wanted to write to you to let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment before the colonel’s review of Trooping the Color,” his letter said.

“I appreciate that everyone who wears the colors this year has been training for months and putting in many hours to ensure their uniforms and drills are impeccable.”

“Being your colonel remains an honor and I am truly sorry that I will not be able to salute you at this year’s colonel’s review,” she said. “Please convey my apologies to the entire regiment. I hope to be able to represent you again very soon.

She signed the letter: “Quis separabit?” Princess Catherine,” citing the regiment’s Latin motto, taken from the Bible and meaning “who will separate us?”

Also known as the King's Birthday Parade, Trooping the Color dates back to the 17th century and this year will feature nearly a thousand soldiers, 250 army musicians, 240 military working horses, 20 players of bagpipes and “an extremely large dog,” the army said.

King Charles III, who revealed his own cancer diagnosis in February, is expected to attend next Saturday's event, although he may not appear on horseback as he did last year.

He was due to present new colors to the Irish guards at Windsor Castle on Monday, before the annual parade.

The princess spent almost two weeks in a private London hospital in January undergoing abdominal surgery and her office said she would step back from royal duties at least until after Easter.