Why Kate Middleton Was Absent from St. Patrick's Day Parade This Year Due to Recovery
Duchess Kate Middleton was notably absent during the annual St. Patrick's Day parade by the Irish Guards, marking a rare occurrence as she continues her recovery from surgery
Princess Kate Middleton Misses St Patricks Day Parade for First Time In Years Amid Surgery Recovery
Kate Middleton Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Princess Kate Middleton was not able to attend the Irish Guards' St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday, March 17.
This year, Kate, 42, was absent from the annual event due to her recovery from a planned abdominal surgery she had in January. While she also missed the parade in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, Kate made sure to join the celebrations last year after being named the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards. In past years, she would often be seen at the parade with her husband, Prince William, who previously held the position she now has. (William took on the role of honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards when Kate received her new title in December 2022.)
Kate expressed her gratitude for being appointed the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards during the March 2023 celebration. She emphasized her commitment to listening, supporting, and championing the guards in their duties. Kate looks forward to spending time with the guards and their families to witness their dedication to service.
This year, William did not attend the march, so Kate's role of distributing shamrock sprigs was fulfilled by Lady Ghika, wife of the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel. Lady Ghika also greeted the Irish Guards' mascot, 3-year-old Irish Wolfhound Seamus, in place of the Princess of Wales. Sir Christopher Ghika took over the salute in William's absence.
Princess Kate Middleton Misses St Patricks Day Parade for First Time In Years Amid Surgery Recovery
Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The Irish Guards showed their support for Kate as she continues to recover. A source mentioned that the guards will be thinking of Kate and will give her three cheers at the end of the parade in Mons Barracks.
Princess Kate Middleton Misses St Patricks Day Parade for First Time In Years Amid Surgery Recovery
News has surfaced that Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, has been absent from royal engagements for months following abdominal surgery. Speculation about her whereabouts grew recently, prompting Kate to share a photo on UK Mother's Day with her three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. However, this photo was later removed from various news platforms after being deemed "manipulated" by the source.
The next day, Kate responded to the accusations. She explained in a post on the official Prince and Princess of Wales X account that, like many amateur photographers, she sometimes plays around with editing. Kate apologized for any confusion caused by the family photo shared the previous day and wished everyone a happy Mother's Day.
Apart from the family picture, Kate has only been seen in two blurry car photos. One is with her mother, Carole Middleton, and the other is with William.
Kate has recently begun sharing details about her surgery and recovery with close friends and family. According to a source in the latest issue of We magazine, her operation has been kept private and only a select few individuals are aware of the specifics.
Editor's P/S:
It is disheartening to learn that Princess Kate Middleton's recovery from abdominal surgery has prevented her from participating in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. Her absence is a testament to the extent of her recovery, and it is encouraging to know that she is prioritizing her health. The Irish Guards' gesture of support, including three cheers for her at the end of the parade, is a heartwarming tribute to her dedication as their honorary Colonel.
The recent speculation surrounding Kate's whereabouts and the controversy over the edited family photo highlight the challenges she faces as a public figure. Her decision to share the photo and subsequently apologize for any confusion demonstrates her willingness to be transparent and relatable. Despite her absence from public engagements, Kate's recent interactions with friends and family suggest that she is gradually returning to her royal duties. Her commitment to the Irish Guards and her focus on her recovery are commendable, and we wish her a speedy and full recovery.
