Kate Middleton Faced Critical Royal Return Alone as Prince William Put Duties to Crown First
After six months out of the public eye, Kate Middleton returned to royal life for Trooping the Color, King Charles’ annual birthday parade, on June 15, 2024. However, when the Princess of Wales made her debut after undergoing cancer treatment, she was without Prince William. Where was the Prince of Wales during this critical moment in Kate’s royal life?
Prince William rode with senior royals, leaving Kate Middleton alone
Prince William’s position as the heir apparent to King Charles led him to choose his duties to the crown over a carriage ride alongside the princess during Trooping the Color. Kate Middleton was left alone to make her royal return alongside the couple’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
People Magazine reported that instead of sitting alongside his wife, William rode horseback in King Charles’ birthday parade. He strode alongside fellow royal family members, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward.
As honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards, William’s duty to the crown separated him from his wife during her first royal appearance in six months. Instead, William represented King Charles, who rode in a carriage with his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, instead of on horseback with his siblings and son.
Typically, the monarch rides down from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade via The Mall to inspect the troops. However, due to Charles’ cancer diagnosis, it was determined he wouldn’t perform this vital task this year on horseback as he did in 2023.
Instead, Charles inspected the troops from a dais on the parade ground. He saluted the Foot Guards as they strode past.
What was Kate Middleton’s role during Trooping the Color 2024?
Kate Middleton played a vital role in Trooping the Color in 2024. As the future king’s wife, she represents the monarchy’s future.
The princess previously opted out of performing her annual task ahead of the parade, called the Colonel’s Review. This traditional event typically takes place a week before Trooping the Color.
Kate wrote to the Irish Guards, the British Army regiment she represents, to express her regret at missing the event. The guards subsequently shared a note they received from the princess on X.
“I wanted to write to you to let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the colonel’s review of Trooping the Color,” the letter began. “I appreciate everyone trooping the color this year has been practicing for months and dedicating many hours to making sure that their uniforms and drill are immaculate.”
“Being your colonel remains an honor, and I’m very sorry that I am unable to make the salute at this year’s colonel’s review,” she said. “Please pass on my apologies to the whole regiment. I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.”
What does the future hold for Kate Middleton?
Kate Middleton shared an Instagram post on Friday, June 14, 2024, where she updated the world on her health since first addressing her cancer diagnosis in March. The statement shared details of her progress and when she may fully return to royal life.
The princess wrote, “I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days, you feel weak and tired and have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”
“My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.”
Kate’s statement continues, “I’m looking forward to attending the king’s birthday parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.”
The statement concludes, “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal. Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”
There is no timetable set as yet for when Kate Middleton will return to a regular royal schedule.
