Expressing understanding and sending their best wishes to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, Lieutenant Colonel Shaw, who also serves as Brigade Major of the Household Division, emphasized the determination to make the upcoming Colonel’s Review the best yet in her honor. He expressed pride in having Princess Kate as the Colonel of the Irish Guards.
In normal circumstances, Princess Kate, fulfilling her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, would have taken the salute on June 8. However, due to her ongoing preventative chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis, she will not be able to attend.
The regiment expressed pride in having Princess Kate as their Colonel and extended their best wishes to her during this time.
Although Kate will not attend the Colonel's Review, Lieutenant General James Bucknall, former commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, will inspect on her behalf.
Despite her absence from the rehearsal, there is speculation that Kate may make an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the Trooping the Colour ceremony. This decision would entail a major health risk for her, given her ongoing treatment, but it is motivated by her children's excitement to watch the flypast with their mother.
Reports suggest that Kate is considering walking onto the famous balcony if she feels well enough, despite the Army's removal of a claim on their website in March regarding her attendance at Trooping the Colour. This move caused confusion, as Kensington Palace had not confirmed her participation at the time.
