Kate's apology to Guards

THE Princess of Wales has written to the Irish Guards to apologise for being unable to take the salute and wishing them luck for a Trooping the Colour event.

- Marco Giannangeli

But she said she hopes to resume her official duties “very soon”.

Her words of optimism were contained in a letter to the regiment written to explain her absence at yesterday’s Colonel’s Review. Kate was appointed honorary Colonel to the regiment last year, a position previously held by her husband, Prince William.

The Colonel’s Review is held seven days ahead of Trooping the Colour, which has marked the sovereign’s birthday for more than 260 years. This year it will be led by Number 9 Company Irish Guards, whose mascot is an Irish wolfhound, inset.