In a departure from a long-standing tradition dating back to 2016, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales and her husband, Prince William, will be notably absent from the Irish Guard’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, England.
Prince William, who held the honorary title of Colonel of the Irish Guards from 2011 to 2022, will also be missing from the event, marking a significant deviation from the norm.
This unexpected absence is expected to intensify speculation surrounding Middleton’s recent subdued public profile following her January surgery. Since Christmas Day, she has maintained a low profile, with her last public appearance alongside her family at Sandringham services.
The news of Middleton’s surgery came as a surprise to many, with Kensington Palace announcing in mid-January that she underwent “planned abdominal surgery.” Anticipation for her presence at this year’s parade was high, particularly given her role as the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards.
However, contrary to expectations, an anonymous source confirmed to People that neither Kate Middleton nor Prince William will be attending the St. Patrick’s Day parade this year. The shift in Prince William’s role, following Queen Elizabeth’s passing and King Charles III’s coronation in 2022, to Colonel of the Welsh Guards further underscores the changing dynamics within the royal family.
Meanwhile, Middleton embraced her role as honorary colonel for the Irish Guards last year with enthusiasm, making their absence from the parade all the more noteworthy.
As royal watchers await further updates on Middleton’s recovery and the couple’s future engagements, their absence from this annual event serves as a reminder of the evolving roles and responsibilities within the monarchy.
