Kate Middleton Will Not Take the Salute at Trooping the Colour Review
When the UK’s Ministry of Defence posted on its website in March that the Princess of Wales would be at the Colonel’s Review of Trooping the Colour on June 8, Kensington Palace was quick to point out that only they speak for the Princess. And today, details of the review have been announced confirming that Kate will not be attending as she continues her cancer treatment and recovery.
Buckingham Palace made it clear today that the salute will be taken by Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE, a former Commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps who has attended every Sovereign’s Birthday Parade since 2009 when he was appointed Colonel of the Coldstream Guards. The senior military official will take Kate’s place for the salute, a role that she was due to have as Colonel of the Irish Guards. She became Colonel in 2022, taking over from her husband Prince William in changes that were initiated after King Charles came to the throne.
In addition, it was also outlined that the King will attend Trooping the Colour on June 15 and conduct his review of the troops seated from a carriage alongside Queen Camilla, rather than on horseback. The King has just returned to public-facing duties following the announcement in February that he was receiving treatment for cancer. Buckingham Palace made it clear at the time of his return that engagements would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and decisions made in light of medical advice.
The royal family announced last week that some engagements would be postponed over the coming weeks as the UK gears up for a general election on July 4. The King is politically neutral and will be careful not to be in a position where he could be accused of influencing or distracting from anyone’s campaign for election. As a fixed celebration, Trooping the Colour is going ahead and royal attendance at the D-Day commemorations will take place. However, the State Visit from the Emperor of Japan, which has been scheduled for late June, is still in question.
Kate revealed in a video message in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving preventative chemotherapy. She described the diagnosis as a huge shock and asked for space and privacy while she undergoes treatment.
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