The Princess Kate wrote to Irish Guards that she hopes “to be able” to once again represent them in the future. She adopted a more hopeful tone regarding her return to work.
She was undergoing chemotherapy to treat cancer, and therefore, she could not attend the rehearsal of Trooping The Colour, the birthday parade for King Charles III.
The colonel apologized for her absence by writing to the Irish Guards.
Kate’s letter used the phrase “very quickly” and struck a much more positive tone than when she announced her cancer diagnosis to the public on March 22, 2009.
This may seem like a hint that her return is near, but her doctors have always said she will not be able to resume work until they give her the go-ahead.
The choice of phrase is hopeful though—and it wouldn’t be unreasonable for fans of the princess to take comfort from it in the absence of a more concrete update.
Royal biographer Katie Nicholl, author of New RoyalsIn an interview with a television station, she said that Kate has “turned a corner.” Talk TV Shown Below Royal Tea In May,
The Letter from Princess Kate to the Irish Guards
Kate’s Letter was Read to Soldiers at the Colonel’s Review. This is a practice run for Trooping, which takes place a week before the actual Trooping.
The princess wrote: “I just wanted to tell you how proud I was of your entire regiment as we prepare for the Colonel’s review and Trooping of Colour.”
The uniforms, drill and other aspects of Trooping the Color this year are impeccable. Everyone has practiced for many months.
It is an honor to be your colonel and I regret that I will not be able to salute you at the Colonel’s Review this year.
Please pass my apology to all the members of your regiment. It is my hope to soon be able again to represent all of you. “Please send all my best wishes to everyone involved.”
Kate’s participation in Trooping of the Colour on 15 June, in whatever capacity she chooses, such as in the carriage parade or as a simple appearance from the Buckingham Palace balcony, is still pending confirmation by the palace.
Kate’s Announcement of Cancer Video
In her video announcement of March 22, she stated: “I’m well and I am getting stronger by focusing my attention on things that help me heal, both in mind and body.
William is an excellent source of comfort, reassurance and support. The love, kindness and support that so many people have shown is also very much appreciated. We both appreciate it.
We hope you understand that we, as a whole family, need some space, time and privacy to complete my treatments. “My work is what I have always loved and looked forward to returning when I can, but I need to focus now on making a complete recovery.”
It is a positive transition to go from “looking forward to returning when I can” to “hoping to represent the Irish Guards very soon”.
Kate’s Spokesperson Comments
As of March 2013, aides reported that the princess “was in good spirits” and “focused on her recuperation”. Kensington Palace would provide further information “when the right time comes and when The Princess will be able to resume her work and her duties.” Please respect the privacy of the Princess and her family in the meantime.
The Princess will resume her official duties once she has been cleared by the medical staff. “She is in a good mood and focused on completing her recovery.”
Her spokesperson added, “We won’t be sharing private medical data any more.” “The princess has a medical privacy right, just as do we.”
This position was reaffirmed by the Palace in May following a report released in connection with one of Kate’s early childhood projects.
A spokesperson at the time said that “the princess will not be expected to resume work until her medical team has cleared it.”
Kensington Palace’s original Timeline
Kate’s initial timeline for returning to work before her cancer diagnosis was much shorter.
Kate was to spend around two weeks recovering in the hospital, before her return after Easter.
The original schedule is now redundant as she started her preventative chemotherapy in late February.