Princess Kate's appearance at key event in doubt amid cancer treatment after royal issues apology

In the note that she signed as Colonel Catherine, the Princess of Wales said that it is a "great honour" to be the group's ceremonial leader.

The royal added that she hoped to be to able to represent the Irish Guards soon.

The princess wrote: “I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire Regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour. I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practising for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drills are immaculate.

"Being your Colonel remains a great honour, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review. Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however, I do hope that I can represent you all once again very soon. Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved. Quis separabit.”

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Trooping the Colour is due to take place on Saturday, June 15 and traditionally members of Royal Family gather on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.

However, Kate's recent absence has caused speculation as to whether the future Queen will be well enough to appear.

The princess is thought to be "considering" an appearance on the balcony but "only if she is well enough."

Sources told the outlet that the mother of three may join other senior royals to witness the traditional RAF Flypast after the ceremony but it is unlikely that this will be confirmed until nearer the time.

If Kate does appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, this would inevitably take some attention away from King Charles's birthday, as it would mark Kate's first official sighting in public in 2024.

Rhea Freeman, a multi-award-winning PR adviser, spoke to GB News last week and claimed that King Charles would be happy to have the princess join the rest of the family on the famous balcony.

Freeman said: "If Kate were to appear on the balcony it would definitely dominate the news. But from everything I’ve read and seen, I would imagine that the King would be delighted to have her there.

"It would reinforce the strength of the monarchy moving forward, something that has been questioned by some with both the King and Kate’s recent health concerns."

Kate has not performed any royal duties this year and has been recovering from her illness in private.

The King, who has also been diagnosed with a form of cancer, initially stepped back from his public duties. However, the monarch has started to perform royal engagements again, even travelling to France on June 6 to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

It was confirmed last month that the King will attend Trooping the Colour but his participation will be scaled back in comparison to last year.

The King will sit in a horse-drawn carriage beside Queen Camilla, as opposed to riding on horseback.