Did the British army just give a date for the re-emergence ofKate Middleton?
The Princess of Wales, who has been recovering fromabdominal surgerysince Jan. 16, is reportedly slated to inspect soldiers during an engagement at Horse Guards Parade in London on June 8. Over 1,400 soldiers will take part in the review, which is a forerunner to theTrooping the Colourparade that takes place the following weekend.
The official British army websiteadvertised the two dateson Tuesday, picturing Princess Kate in her teal green outfit as she inspected the Irish Guardson St. Patrick’s Day last year.King Charlesnamed Princess Kate, 42,as the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guardsshortly after becoming monarch in 2022. Number 9 Company of the Irish Guards is leading the parade this year, meaning Kate would traditionally conduct the Colonel’s Review the weekend before the event.
Royal watchers have been hanging on any clue as to Princess Kate’s return to public life and thought they might have it with the announcement from the Ministry of Defence.
However, the British military may have got ahead of itself as arrangements for obtaining spectator tickets were laid out. Royal sources point out that it’s for Kensington Palace to confirm the appearance of Prince William, 41, and Princess Kate at any official outing.
Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour in June 2023.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Princess Kate hasattended Trooping the Colour every yearsince marrying Prince William in 2011 with the exception of the period when the event was scaled down due to COVID-19 restrictions, riding in a horse-drawn carriage and appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony with the royals to watch a flypast. But this year would be the first time that she conducted the Colonel’s Review.
The June 8 parade is also on the same weekend as the Big Help Out volunteering days, set aside for community groups and other organizations to rally support for helping others. Last year, William, Kate and their kidshelped at a scouts groupnot far from their Windsor home.
Kate Middleton and Prince William with their three children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at Trooping the Colour in June 2023.Getty
Getty
There is every chance, of course, that the Princess of Wales will have already stepped out before Trooping the Colour takes place in June.
Officials said at the time of her operation that she’d likely not resume duties until after Easter, which falls on March 31. With her three children —Prince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5 — on school vacation until mid-April, it’s likely she will time her first official appearance for soon after then.
Kate Middleton in Leeds in September 2023.Zak Hussein/SplashNews
Zak Hussein/SplashNews
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,” the statement continued. “Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.”
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Last week, a palace source told PEOPLE that Kate"continues to be doing well"amid her recovery from the surgery.
source: people.com
