THE Princess of Wales will not be returning to public duties for the Colonel’s Review despite some speculation.
Kate would usually take the salute at the ceremonial military event – to be held in London on June 8.
APPrincess Kate with husband Prince William[/caption]
AFPKate and the other royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the 2023 Trooping the Colour ceremony[/caption]
AFPIrish Guards, a regiment of the Household Division Foot Guards, parade down The Mall[/caption]
Mum-of-three Kate confirmed she had an unspecified form of cancer on March 22 in an emotional video message.
It comes after Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles will participate in Trooping the Colour next month.
The Colonel’s Review is a dress rehearsal for Trooping the Colour on June 15.
It is a ceremonial event performed on Horse Guards Parade on Whitehall every year to celebrate the official birthday of the monarch.
Kate missed a Trooping rehearsal held earlier involving almost a thousand soldiers and around 240 horses from the Household Division, and staged in front of an audience of more than 1,000 people on Horse Guards Parade.
She was represented by Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw, Brigade Major of the Household Division, who designed this year’s spectacle and acted as the chief inspecting officer of the day in the princess’ absence.
It comes after news Charles will take part in the main event after “supercharging” his royal diary.
The monarch, 75, will inspect the soldiers from a carriage during the annual ceremony, as he continues his recovery from cancer, it is understood.
He is said to be “determined to lead from the front”.
Charles was initially expected to ride horseback alongside Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward from Buckingham Palace, up The Mall, and take the salute at Horse Guards Parade.
However, this no longer appears the case.
The King had been carrying out a busy programme of engagements since it was announced just over four weeks ago would be returning to public facing duties.
Rishi Sunak’s decision last week to call a surprise summer General Election has meant the monarchy has postponed any engagements “which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign”.
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