Kate Middleton is going to miss a key part of an annual royal family tradition amid her ongoing battle with cancer. Trooping the Colour, which celebrates the birthday of the sovereign, is one of the biggest public celebrations for the British monarchy.
After the parade, the royal family takes their place on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where they wave to the crowds. But due to her current health, it is unknown if the Princess of Wales will participate in the event at all.
In March, Kate revealed in a video posted to Instagram that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would be undergoing treatments. Since her reveal, she has kept a relatively low profile, though she was recently spotted out with family. Kate is not currently an active working member of the family, so her participation is definitely up in the air.
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Kate's role will remain largely unchanged from previous years.
Representatives have confirmed that Kate Middleton will yet again serve as the honorary colonel of the Irish Guards.
The Irish Guards will be trooping their color (ceremonially presenting their regimental flag) this year, an honor that rotates yearly. Despite her role, Kate will not be in attendance to salute the guard at the traditional Colonel’s Review, which typically happens about a week before Trooping the Colour.
Kate has always participated in the event.
Due to her cancer treatment, it is unclear if Kate will be in attendance for Trooping the Colour itself, which is set to take place on June 15. She has attended every year since she married Prince William in 2011.
The couple has attended with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, since each child was born.
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Kate's calendar has been cleared for the rest of the year.
Kate has been laying low since her cancer reveal, clearing her calendar to focus on treatment and being with her children. Recently, The Daily Beast reported that her calendar is currently clear for the rest of the year.
“Lots of people involved in planning need to know what all the principals are doing a long way in advance,” a source told the outlet. “I am told that Kate’s diary for this year is empty. There is nothing planned. She may not appear in public for the rest of the year.”
Currently, Kate is focused on her health.
A source close to Kate shared that right now, her main focus is on her mental health amid her chemotherapy treatments.
“The key thing for her now is avoiding any kind of stress or anxiety and just getting on with the business of getting better,” the person explained, adding that the family would “bail out and be off to Sandringham the moment school breaks up.”
King Charles and Prince William have currently emptied their calendars as well.
The news about Trooping the Colour comes amid speculation of whether or not the event would be held as it usually is. Earlier in May, King Charles and Prince William canceled all of their events until July 4, in the wake of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for a general election.
Members of the royal family are meant to remain politically neutral and Buckingham Palace revealed all events “which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign,” would be canceled. It's unclear how or if the ceremony will be different this year.
