In a rare update, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Princess Kate Middleton will not attend the Colonel’s Review, the traditional rehearsal for Trooping the Colour, on June 8 as she continues her chemotherapy treatment. This announcement underscores the Princess of Wales’ ongoing health challenges and her need to focus on recovery.
Kate Middleton, 42, who is undergoing preventative chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis, has not performed any official public duties since Christmas Day. The Princess had shared the news of her cancer diagnosis through a videotaped message, aiming to dispel any major concerns about her health. Despite conflicting reports about her potential return, royal insiders have confirmed that no official comeback date has been planned. The palace emphasized that Kate will only return to her duties when she receives the all-clear from her medical team.
For the upcoming Colonel’s Review, Lieutenant General James Bucknall, the former commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, will step in as the inspecting officer on behalf of Princess Kate. Normally, in her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, Kate would have taken the salute. This year, however, she continues to rest and recover at home.
The Colonel’s Review is a precursor to the Trooping the Colour event on June 15, which celebrates the sovereign’s official birthday. King Charles III, who is also undergoing treatment for cancer, will conduct the review from an Ascot Landau carriage alongside Queen Camilla, instead of on horseback. This adaptation follows doctors’ advice, highlighting the health considerations for the 75-year-old monarch.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence prematurely announced Kate’s participation in Trooping the Colour, which led to confusion. Tickets for the event had been sold based on the assumption of her attendance. However, Kensington Palace clarified that any confirmed appearances would be officially announced by them, not the MoD. This miscommunication added to the unease surrounding the royal family’s public engagements amid Kate and Charles’ health issues.
Despite her ongoing treatment, there have been positive signs regarding Kate’s health. Vanity Fair reported that the Princess has “turned a corner” with her treatment and is feeling significantly better. A royal insider noted, “It has been a great relief that she is tolerating the medication and is actually doing a lot better. It has, of course, been a very challenging and worrying time. Everyone has rallied around her—William, her parents, and her sister and brother.”
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Kate’s eventual return to public duties will be carefully managed to ensure she is fully ready. A royal aide emphasized, “No one wants to put any pressure on Catherine. The only thing that matters at the moment is her getting better. She has been through an ordeal this year.”
Trooping the Colour is a significant event in the royal calendar, marked by a grand parade and a balcony appearance by the royal family. This year, King Charles and Queen Camilla will participate in the ceremony from a carriage, reflecting the necessary adjustments for their health. The celebration will continue with garden parties and the King and Queen’s appearances for the D-Day 80th anniversary events in June.
As Kate Middleton continues her recovery, the public and royal family alike remain hopeful and supportive, looking forward to her eventual return to her royal duties. For now, her health and well-being take precedence, and the Princess of Wales is taking the necessary time to heal.
