Kate Middleton to be Replaced in Key Trooping the Colour Role Amid Anticipated Absence: ‘Best Wishes are With Her’
Kate Middleton has not been in the spotlight since Christmas 2023. Although there have been some photos and videos released of the princess since then, there has also been plenty of uncertainty surrounding their validity.
In a March 2024 video message, Kate revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer and requested privacy. Nobody has seen her since as she takes time to focus on her health, and now, it’s been announced that she will not be at the upcoming rehearsal for this year’s Trooping the Colour.
Kate Middleton will be replaced in her role at this year’s Trooping the Colour rehearsal
Although an official statement regarding Kate’s absence of the actual event has yet to be made, it’s already been decided that she will not attend the official Trooping the Colour rehearsal, known as the Colonel’s Review, on June 8. Kate has been undergoing chemotherapy, and while she has kept quiet about her diagnosis stage and treatment plan, it is assumed that she is still undergoing treatment in some capacity.
One of Kate’s roles is Colonel of the Irish guards, so she would normally be the one to do the coveted role of inspecting the troops at this year’s Horse Guards Parade as part of the Trooping the Colour events. Instead, Express reports that Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall will take Kate’s spot.
The army officer made a statement to The Sun about taking on Kate’s role: “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.”
It’s unclear when Kate Middleton might return to royal duties
Right now, there has been no announcement regarding the progress of Kate’s treatment or when she might come back to the spotlight. There are rumors that Kate could be absent until fall 2024, though nothing has been confirmed. It depends, of course, on how Kate is responding to treatment. Plus, even if the treatment places Kate in remission, she still might need extra time to build up more strength and get used to returning to the spotlight. It could be a slow return, too, where she starts making infrequent appearances that gradually increase.
Kate’s kids have also remained out of the spotlight, with the exception of Prince George attending the occasional sporting event with his father. Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have not been seen, though it’s typical of all three children to make an appearance on the balcony at Trooping the Colour. But without Kate, it’s hard to say if they might this year. Prince William continues to say that Kate is doing well when he’s asked, though he has not gone into further detail.
