The Princess of Wales has penned a heartfelt letter to the Irish Guards, expressing her regret for not being able to take the salute at The Colonel’s Review in London on Saturday (June 8). Despite her honorary position as colonel, Kate apologised for not being able to fulfil her ceremonial duties this year.
In her note, she wrote: “I wanted to write to you to 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 the colour this year has been practising for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.”
“Being your colonel remains an honour, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review. Please pass on my apologies to the whole regiment, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.”
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“Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved. Quis separabit (Who shall separate (us)?).”
The Colonel’s Review serves as preparation for the Trooping the Colour parade, a tradition spanning over 260 years marking the King’s birthday. Currently, it remains uncertain whether Kate, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, will attend the much-anticipated royal festivity.
She issued a heartfelt plea for time, solitude, and personal space for her family after sharing news of her cancer treatment in March. During a trip to the Isles of Scilly earlier in May, the Prince of Wales offered a hopeful update on his wife’s medical progress, telling a hospital administrator: “she’s doing well”.
The Irish Guards shared a video of a letter being read out aloud to the regiment, which said: “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.”
The Regiment gave a round of applause after the letter was read out. Kate will be represented at the Colonel’s Review by General James Bucknall, who will act as the chief inspecting officer of the day in the princess’ absence.
During the Trooping ceremony, held on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, it is understood the King will carry out the review of the Guardsmen and officers from an Ascot Landau carriage with the Queen. The change from last year’s ceremony, where Charles inspected the troops on horseback, reflects earlier Buckingham Palace briefings where it was highlighted that each engagement by the King would be reviewed and adaptations made when advised by doctors.
Charles is likely to travel by carriage with the Queen during the traditional procession to and from Horse Guards Parade and is expected to watch the Trooping ceremony seated on a dais, rather than on horseback. The colour which will be “trooped” past the massed ranks of guardsmen and officers will be from Number 9 Company, Irish Guards.
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