Buckingham Palace has officially announced that Princess Katherine will not attend the Colonel’s Review on June 8th, the traditional rehearsal for Trooping the Colour. This decision follows medical advice due to her health not being sufficiently recovered after undergoing chemotherapy. On May 30th, Kensington Palace confirmed that the Princess of Wales will not carry out her usual role of inspecting officer at the traditional Colonel’s Review on June 8th. Instead, the honor will fall to Lieutenant General James Bucknall KCB CB.
Princess Katherine, known for her dedication to royal duties and public engagements, has been a prominent figure at many significant events. However, she has maintained a low profile since revealing on March 22nd that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. Despite this, she has recently been spotted out with her family and running errands solo, as sources revealed. The announcement of Princess Katherine’s absence underscores the seriousness of her health situation. Undergoing chemotherapy is a rigorous and taxing process, often leaving individuals weakened and in need of considerable time to recuperate.
It is clear that despite her strong sense of duty, her well-being must take precedence. The medical advice she has received highlights the importance of allowing her body to recover fully before resuming such demanding public appearances. An army colonel has said the regiment is proud to have Princess Katherine as Colonel of the Irish Guards and has sent their best wishes to the Princess of Wales. The Colonel’s Review, a key rehearsal for the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, is one such event where her presence has always been notable. It involves hundreds of officers, horses, and musicians, drawing spectators from around the world and showcasing the pageantry and tradition of the British Monarchy.
The palace’s statement assures that this decision has been made in the best interest of Princess Katherine’s health. It reflects the royal family’s commitment to ensuring that she has the necessary time and space to regain her strength. While her absence will undoubtedly be felt, the priority remains her recovery. Public reaction to the news has been overwhelmingly supportive. Admirers of the princess and well-wishers from around the globe have expressed their concern and sent messages of support and encouragement.
Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Brigade Major of the Household Division, who designed this year’s Trooping spectacle, told the Irish Sun, “We totally understand, and our thoughts and best wishes are with Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. We are even more determined to make the Colonel’s Review the best yet for her. We are so proud to have the Princess of Wales as the Colonel of the Irish Guards.”
Prince William said earlier this month that his wife is doing well, though Palace sources say she is not expected to return to work until she has been given the all-clear to do so by her medical team. Whether or not she attends Trooping the Colour on June 15th remains to be seen. However, the princess is considering making an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the Trooping the Colour ceremony, it was claimed today. The Daily Mirror reported that the princess is understood to be considering walking onto the famous balcony in a fortnight’s time if she is feeling well enough.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace revealed yesterday that King Charles will travel in a carriage with Queen Camilla on June 15th and will not be on horseback. As the date of the Trooping the Colour approaches, the royal family and the public will undoubtedly keep Princess Katherine in their thoughts. Her well-being is paramount, and the support she receives from her family, friends, and the public will undoubtedly play a crucial role in her recovery journey.