Kate Middleton attends the St. Patrick’s Day parade with the Irish Guards in 2023.Photo:Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
Kate Middletonmissed one of her traditional holiday outings amid her recovery fromabdominal surgery.
While the Princess of Wales, 42, continued her recovery out of the public eye (she’snot expected to return to royal duties until after Easter), the Irish Guards held their traditional St. Patrick’s Day parade. Princess Kateattended the celebrations last yearfor the first time since beingnamed the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, but before that, she wouldoften attend the eventalongside her husband,Prince William, who held the position before her.
Despite her absence, the Irish Guards kept the Princess of Wales top of mind during the festivities. A source told PEOPLE ahead of the event that they were planning to give Kate three cheers at the end of their parade at Mons Barracks in Hampshire.
Prince William and Kate Middleton drink Guinness at St. Patrick’s Day parade in 2023.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
In apost shared on InstagramSunday, William and Kate marked the annual March holiday.
“Happy St Patrick’s Day! Here’s a sneak peak of the @irishguards rehearsing for their annual parade. Sláinte to all those celebrating today! 🇮🇪,” the duo captioned the post.
The Irish Guards will step into the spotlight again in June when they will beTrooping the ColouratKing Charles' annual birthday parade. Princess Kate waslisted on the official army websiteas leading the annual review of soldiers at Horse Guards Parade in London on June 8, the weekend before the parade, prompting excitement about her return to public duties following her surgery. However, Kate’s office at Kensington Palace said they hadn’t been consulted about her appearance and her namewas quickly removed.
With Princess Kate recovering and King Charles, 75, undergoing cancer treatment, it is not confirmed yet which members of the royal family will be in attendance that day.
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Kensington Palace said in the initial statement about her surgery — and reiterated in a Feb. 29 statement — that Princess Kate “is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter,” following medical guidance.
While the statement clearly states the Princess of Wales won’t have public duties until April, Easter is technically a private family event rather than a duty, leaving the possibility to see Kate on the upcoming holiday open.
source: people.com
