Princess Kate told the Irish Guards in a new letter that she hopes to be able to represent them again “very soon,” adopting a more optimistic tone about her future return to work.

The Princess of Wales has been off royal duties receiving chemotherapy for cancer and as a result she couldn’t attend the Colonel’s Review, a rehearsal for Trooping the Colour, King Charles III’s birthday military parade.

She wrote to the Irish Guards in her capacity as their colonel to apologize for not being there to take the salute.

Kate’s use of the phrase “very soon” in the letter struck a more optimistic tone than the one she adopted during an announcement about her cancer diagnosis on March 22.

It may be tempting to interpret this as a sign her comeback may be approaching, but the palace has always been clear her actual return to work will have to wait until she is given the all-clear by doctors.

Princess Kate ahead of a boat trip on Lake Windermere with Holocaust survivors, in Low Wray, England, on September 21, 2021. She has been off work undergoing treatment for cancer. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Princess Kate’s Letter to the Irish Guards

Kate’s letter was read out to soldiers taking part in the Colonel’s Review, a dry run for the Trooping that takes place one week earlier each year.

“I wanted to write to you to let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour,” the princess wrote.

“I appreciate everyone at Trooping the Colour this year has been practising for months and dedicating many hours to ensure their uniforms and drill are immaculate.

“Being your colonel remains an honour and I am very sorry that I’m unable to make the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.

“Please pass on my apologies to the whole regiment. I do hope that I’m able to represent you all once again very soon. Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.”

The palace is yet to confirm whether Kate will attend Trooping the Colour, on June 15, in any capacity, including either in the carriage procession or simply an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Kate’s Cancer Announcement Video

The language in the letter differs from her March 22 cancer announcement video, in which she said: “I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.”

The transition from looking “forward to being back when I am able” to the hope of representing the Irish Guards again “very soon” is therefore a positive one.

Comments by Kate’s Spokesperson

At the time of her March announcement, aides said the princess was “in good spirits and focused on her recovery” and added: “Kensington Palace will provide information, when the time is right, and The Princess is able to restart work and her duties. In the meantime, we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected.

“The Princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team. She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery.”

“We will not be sharing any further private medical information,” her spokesperson continued. “The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do.”

The palace reinforced this stance in May after a major report was released by one of Kate’s projects, in relation to her work around early childhood.

“The princess is not expected to return to work until it’s cleared by her medical team,” a spokesperson said at the time.

Kensington Palace’s Original Timeline

Kate’s original timeline for her return to work was far shorter, though that was before she was diagnosed with cancer.

The palace in January announced Kate would have around two weeks recovery in hospital before returning sometime after Easter.

However, in late February she began preventative chemotherapy, making the original timeline redundant.