Kensington Palace Confirms Kate Middleton Will Not Attend Traditional Trooping The Colour Rehearsal Next Month
Kensington Palace has confirmed that the Princess of Wales will not be attending the key dress rehearsal for Trooping the Colour in June.
According to PEOPLE, the palace confirmed on May 30 that Kate Middleton, 42, will not be carrying out her usual Inspecting Officer role at the traditional Colonel Review on June 8. Due to her absence, Lieutenant General James Bucknall, KCB, CBE, will step in.
It's believed that the Trooping the Colour ceremony has been performed dating back to the reign of King Charles II. The parade takes place to honor the official birthday of the Sovereign, becoming an annual event after Geroge III became king in 1760, per the Household Division.
Per the news outlet, King Charles III is set to be present during the ceremony despite his ongoing treatment for cancer. The king, 75, rode horseback at the annual ceremony last June, marking the first time in 37 years that the equestrian tradition took place.
Princess Kate, who is also undergoing treatment for cancer, has reportedly been keeping a low profile amid chemotherapy. However, sources say she's been seen running errands and out with her family.
Despite the announcement of her absence, the attendance of royal family members at the event may still be subject to change.
Per the media outlet, Prince William reportedly claimed that his wife is "doing well." However, sources say the palace won't expect her to return to her royal duties until she receives clearance from her medical team.
The impressive ceremony takes place in June on a Saturday, performed by his majesty's personal troops of the Household Division on Horse Guards Parade.
Over 1,400 officers and soldiers form the parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and Corps of Drums march and play in unison, per the Household Division.