The 2024 Trooping the Colour hasn’t happened, and yet Kate Middleton has already issued an apology about it. Why? Because she missed a big part of it leading up to the June 15 celebration. As questions surrounding the Princess of Wales’ attendance at Trooping the Colour continue to swirl, here’s what she’s “very sorry” to have missed.

After Kensington Palace announced Kate wouldn’t be at the Colonel’s Review, a Trooping the Colour rehearsal held on June 8, 2024, one week ahead of the actual ceremony, the 42-year-old apologized to the Irish Guards with a written note. 

As honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, Kate would normally be there to inspect the troops at the Horse Guards Parade. However, 2024 has been anything but typical for the royal family. 

Kate’s out of the spotlight as she continues preventative chemotherapy after announcing her cancer diagnosis in March 2022. As such, someone else inspected troops at the rehearsal. 

“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping of the Colour,” she wrote in a letter shared by the regiment (via X). 

“I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate,” she went on. “Being your colonel remains a great honor, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.” 

“Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment,” Kate added. “However, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon. Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.”

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