The regiment – of which the royal is Colonel-in-Chief – shared a video on X this morning showing the note being read out to troops as they prepared for today’s precursor to Trooping the Colour.
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The Princess continues to recover from cancerCredit: The Mega Agency
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The Irish Guards posted a video on X of soldiers being read Kate’s messageCredit: X/irish_guards
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Soldiers listened in silence to the heartfelt message as they prepared for the ceremonyCredit: X/irish_guards
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The letter Kate sent to the Irish GuardsCredit: X/irish_guards
She said her role as Colonel “remains a great honour”, adding: “I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.”
The Colonel-in-Chief would typically take the salute at the review, which took place this morning.
It is a major hint that she will miss the main ceremony on June 15 entirely – though there is a chance she could watch it from the Buckingham Palace balcony and not take an active role.
Her letter said: “I wanted to write and 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 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 honour, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.
“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. Quis separabit.”
In the X post, the Irish Guards 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.”
With the ceremony marking King Charles’ official birthday, Kate would’ve taken a key role.
The Colonel’s Review is identical to The King’s Birthday Parade or Trooping the Colour, with the exception that some additional mounted officers ride on the latter.
Taking part were 1,400 soldiers of the Household Division and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, including 400 musicians from the Massed Bands, all of whom will paraded on Horse Guards.
It also included 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards who lined the processional route along The Mall.
Kate uploaded a video to Instagram in which she bravely announced she was undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer.
In January it was confirmed she would be cancelling all royal engagements to undergo major abdominal surgery.
Palace sources insisted the Princess would continue to rest and recover until given the all-clear by her doctor.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MAR 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
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Members of the Household Cavalry took part in the Colonel’s review rehearsalCredit: Reuters
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The event is a precursor to the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 15Credit: Reuters
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Over 1,400 soldiers take part, with 250 sold from the Foot Guards taking part in the ReviewCredit: Rex
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Kate’s personal royal crest could be seen on the back of the letter in the videoCredit: X/irish_guards
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Kate would usually play a key role in the Trooping the Colour ceremonyCredit: The Times
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Kate during her first visit to the 1st Battalion Irish GuardsCredit: AP
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The Princess of Wales sits with the officers of the Irish Guards at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in AldershotCredit: The Times
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Kate announced on Instagram she had cancerCredit: BBC STUDIOS
