Kate Middleton Speaks Out After Missing Pre-Trooping the Colour Event

Kate Middleton released a statement after she missed a pre-Trooping the Colour event amid her cancer treatment.

The Iris Guards posted several photos following a rehearsal event on June 8. Two pictures showed a note written by the princess on official Kensington Palace letterhead.

“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping of the Colour,” she began. “I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.”

“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,” Kate continued. “Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment. However, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon. Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.”

Kate Middleton signed off as “Colonel Catherine” by writing “Quis Separabit,” which means “who will separate us.”

In the caption, the Irish Guards wished Kate “well in her recovery.”

The princess is the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, who will be presenting their flag at the Trooping of the Colour parade next week. Each year, only one of the five regiments has that honor. Kate Middleton would stand for the salute at the Colonel’s Review if she were well enough to attend the celebration. Former Commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, Lieutenant General James Bucknall, will be taking her place.

Kate Middleton, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, has been taking a leave from her public duties while she undergoes chemotherapy. Prince William, her husband, shared that Kate has been “doing well.” But sources say doctors have not given her the go-ahead to return to the spotlight.

This story’s featured image is by Rob Pinney/Getty Images.