London (Parliament News) – The Princess of Wales apologizes to the Irish guards for missing the colonel’s inspection parade rehearsal and wishes them luck for the trooping the colour event. Her letter expresses pride and gratitude.
The Princess of Wales has composed to the Irish guards to apologise for being incapable of taking the salute and wish them luck for trooping the colour occasion. The colonel’s inspection parade rehearsal for trooping the colour was taking place in central London.
What Did Catherine Express in Her Letter to the Regiment?
In a note read to the regiment, of which she is colonel, Catherine composed: “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. 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.”
Why Was the Princess Unable to Attend the Parade?
Catherine, who is experiencing chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis, apologised for being unable to observe. She noted: “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. Please pass on my apologies to the whole regiment, 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.” The letter concluded with the Latin phrase “quis separatist”, meaning “who will split [us]?”, a motto associated with the British army in Ireland.
How Did the Irish Guards React to Catherine’s Letter?
The Irish guards published a video of the letter being read to the regiment on X, stating: “The Irish guards were deeply touched to receive a letter from our colonel, Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, this morning. We persist in wishing Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send her our very best wishes. Quis separabit.” The regiment offered a round of applause after the note was read out.
The colonel’s examination takes place seven days before the trooping the colour parade, which has been carried on the sovereign’s birthday for more than 260 years. Catherine will be represented at the colonel’s review by Gen James Bucknall, who will function as the chief inspecting officer of the day in her absence.
What Update Did Prince Charles Provide on Catherine’s Health?
It is unclear whether Catherine will observe trooping the colour. In May, sharing an update on his wife’s treatment for an unknown form of cancer while on a visit to the Isles of Scilly, the Prince of Wales stated she was “doing well”. Catherine has stated she was “enormously touched” by the public support after she revealed she was being treated for cancer in March. She declared the discovery of the condition had been a “huge shock”.