After a Long Absence.. Kate Middleton Breaks Her Silence
Kate Middleton has apologised to the Irish Guards in an emotional letter for missing a major rehearsal for Trooping the Colour on Saturday morning.
In her letter to the Irish Guards, the wife of the British heir to the throne, Prince William, who is a "colonel", wished the troops good luck, adding that she hopes to return very soon.
The letter comes after the princess withdrew from public life while receiving treatment for her illness.
Princess Kate Middleton's letter
The Princess of Wales wrote in the letter, signed "Colonel Catherine": "I wanted to write and tell you how proud I am of the entire regiment. I appreciate that all the troops this year have trained for many months, putting in long hours to ensure their uniforms and drills are immaculate."
She continued: "It remains a great honour to be your colonel, and I am very sorry that I was unable to take the salute at this year's Colonel Review. Please accept my apologies to the entire regiment, but I hope to be able to represent you all again very soon."
“I send my best wishes and good luck to all involved,” the princess added, after signing off with the Irish Guards motto “Who shall divide us?”.
In response, the regiment said it was “touched” by the princess’s gesture. It wrote on its website: “The Irish Guards were deeply touched to receive a message from our Colonel, Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales this morning. We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send her our best wishes.”
Irish Guards respond to Middleton's message
The Princess of Wales stopped carrying out public duties after announcing on March 22 that she had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer. She said in a video message that she had begun chemotherapy.
News of her illness came after King Charles announced he had been diagnosed with cancer. Charles resumed public duties after Buckingham Palace said doctors were encouraged by his progress, but he was committed to continuing treatment.
