Princess Catherine issues apology for missing major royal event

The Princess of Wales has broken her silence regarding her absence from a significant royal event in a heartfelt letter to the Irish Guards.

In the letter, she expressed her apologies for not being able to take the salute and extended her best wishes for The Colonel’s Review in London.

Held a week before the Trooping the Colour parade, which has celebrated the sovereign’s birthday for over 260 years, The Colonel’s Review is a major military event.

Catherine, who serves as the regiment’s colonel, expressed her pride in her position, stating that it “remains an honour”, and conveyed her regret at not being able to attend.

“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,” the letter read.

“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.”

It still remains unclear whether Catherine, who is still receiving treatment following her cancer diagnosis, will attend the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

While Catherine’s attendance at the event remains unknown for now, Buckingham Palace recently confirmed that King Charles will attend the June 15 celebrations, a highlight of the royal calendar.

However, instead of inspecting the troops on horseback, he will uphold the tradition from an Ascot Landau carriage given his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The Trooping the Colour is an annual military ceremony held in London, United Kingdom, to celebrate the official birthday of the British monarch. It is a longstanding tradition that dates back to the 17th century and is considered one of the most prestigious and significant events on the British royal calendar.

Over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark the Sovereign’s official birthday.

The streets are lined with crowds waving flags as the parade moves from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, alongside Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.

The display closes with an RAF fly-past, watched by Members of the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace balcony.

-with PA.