Kate's Irish Guards receive new colours from King Charles after princess issues apology

Princess Kate became the Colonel of the guards last year and issued an apology just days ago for not being able to attend the rehearsal last Saturday.

The future Queen has been recovering in private after she was diagnosed with a form of cancer and started preventative chemotherapy.

it is understood that the King was not standing in for the princess today as he is the Colonel in Chief of the seven Guards regiments, including the Irish Guards, and the presentation of new colours is by convention done by this role.

Last year, Kate took over the role of Colonel of the Irish Guards from her husband Prince William.

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In sweet letter 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.”

The Irish Guards posted a picture of the letter on X saying that they were touched by the letter from Kate and wished her well in her recovery.

The King, who has also been diagnosed with a form of cancer, initially stepped back from his public duties but has since returned.

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.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Kate will make an appearance and last week a royal commentator suggested that the mother of three may join other senior royals to witness the traditional RAF Flypast after the ceremony "as long as she feels up to it."