Fuss over military exercise

Princess Kate with cancer writes to Irish Guards

Princess Kate (archive photo)(Bild: APA/AFP/POOL/Ian Vogler)

Princess Kate (42) has written to the Irish Guards to apologize for missing a rehearsal for a major military parade due to her cancer. Rehearsals were held in London on Saturday for the "Trooping the Color" birthday parade, which takes place next weekend. Kate would have actually taken part in the dress rehearsal ("Colonel's Review") because she holds the honorary title of "Colonel of the Irish Guards".

In a letter, she said how proud she was of the entire regiment and that she wished them the best of luck. "Please pass on my apologies to the entire regiment," the letter reads. "I hope to be able to represent you all again soon."

Kate has not attended any public appointments since the beginning of the year. She had undergone abdominal surgery and later announced that she had cancer and was receiving chemotherapy as a precaution. Kate asked for privacy at the time. Her absence initially triggered a lot of speculation. It is not known when she will return.

The Irish Guards were visibly moved by the letter:

Themilitary created confusion
 The military had caused confusion in March by announcing on a website that Kate would be attending the dress rehearsal for this year's parade. It later deleted the entry again. The rehearsal was now held on Saturday by Lieutenant General James Bucknall. Around 1200 soldiers and more than 200 horses were involved.

Kate's father-in-law, King Charles III (75), is also currently being treated for cancer. However, he has been making public appearances again for some time. Charles is also due to take part in the "Trooping the Color" birthday parade next week. Charles' birthday is not actually until November - but due to the better weather, the parade in honor of the monarch traditionally takes place in June.