Kate Middleton issues rare message after missing key royal engagement

The Princess has put out a statement as speculation swirls over whether she’ll attend one of the biggest royal events of the year.

Catherine, Princess of Wales has issued a rare message after missing a key royal engagement.

The future Queen of the United Kingdom, 42, wrote a letter to the Irish Guards apologising for her absence at the Trooping the Colour rehearsal on June 8, as she continues to undergo treatment for an undisclosed cancer.

The Princess, who is honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, typically partakes in the Colonel’s Review of the regiment in the days leading up to the annual Trooping the Colour, a pompous celebration marking the official birthday of the British sovereign, which is taking place June 15.

Her role was instead filled by Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE.

“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 practising for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drills are immaculate,” Kate wrote in the note, which was posted on the official X account for the Irish Guards.

Catherine, Princess of Wales sent a letter to the Irish Guards apologising for missing the Trooping the Colour rehearsal on June 8. Picture: X/Irish Guards

Kate has been out of the public eye since December. Picture: Odd ANDERSEN/AFP

“Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon,” she continued.

“Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved. Colonel Catherine.”

It raises doubts over whether the mother-of-three will attend Saturday’s festival, which is one of the biggest engagements on the royal calendar.

The Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children at 2023’s Trooping the Colour. Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Kate hasn’t attended an official royal event since Christmas Day, when she attended the morning church service at Sandringham Estate with her husband Prince William and their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.

In March, following months of rampant speculation over her whereabouts after having abdominal surgery in January, Kate released a video announcing she had been diagnosed with cancer.

Catherine last attended a royal engagement on Christmas Day. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

“As you can imagine, this has taken time,” Catherine said in the video.

“It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.

“But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”

Kensington Palace has not yet confirmed whether Kate will attend Trooping the Colour, of which she’s been present every year since 2011 with the exception of Covid-impacted celebrations in 2020 and 2021.

King Charles III, who is also battling cancer, has been given the green light to make an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the 260-year-old ceremony.