What Is Kate Middleton’s Role in Trooping the Colour? Her Duties at the Royal Event
Princess Kate Middleton will have a special role during the upcoming Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024. What is Kate’s role at the event and will she participate amid her cancer battle?
What Is Kate Middleton's Role in Trooping the Colour?
Kensington Palace confirmed in 2023 that Kate was appointed as the honorary colonel of the Irish Guards, which are trooping its flag at the 2024 parade.
Despite having a role at the June 15, 2024, event, Kate did not take part in the salute at the traditional Colonel’s Review on June 8, 2024. The annual event is where soldiers in scarlet coats and fur hats march alongside military bands.
Will Kate Middleton be Attending the 2024 Trooping the Colour?
One day before the event, the princess revealed in a June 14, 2024, social media post that she would be attending Trooping the Colour, marking her first public appearance since revealing in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer following abdominal surgery.
"I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet," Kate wrote. She is expected to appear on the balcony at Buckingham Palace alongside husband Prince William, their three children, and other senior working royals.
What Is Trooping the Colour?
Trooping of the Colour marks the official birthday of the British Sovereign and has been celebrated for the past 260 years.
“Over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship and fanfare to mark the Sovereign's official birthday,” according to the Their Majesties' work as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall website. “The streets are lined with crowds waving flags as the parade moves from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guard's Parade, alongside Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.”
The website continues, “The display closes with an RAF fly-past, watched by Members of the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace balcony.”
When Was Kate Middleton Diagnosed With Cancer?
Kate first sparked concerns about her well-being when she stepped out of the spotlight following an abdominal surgery in January 2024. After several months of speculation and conspiracy theories circulated about her whereabouts, the mother of three announced she had been diagnosed with cancer in March 2024.
“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in early stages of that treatment,” she revealed in a video via X on March 22, 2024. “It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to [the kids] in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I’m going to be OK.”
In light of the diagnosis, Kate praised William for being a “great source of comfort” during the difficult time.
“I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body and spirits,” Kate continued. “We hope that you’ll understand that as a family we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able. But for now, I must focus on make a full recovery.”
Kate Middleton Shared an Update on Her Cancer Battle in June 2024
While confirming her presence at 2024's Trooping the Colour, Kate gave an update on how her treatments are progressing.
"I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well," she told readers on June 14, 2024.
"My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home," Kate continued.
She added, "I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal."
