The Ministry of Defence made headlines today for announcing the Princess of Wales’s return to royal duties without consulting Kensington Palace, sparking speculation about her attendance at an upcoming event.
According to the Army’s official website, Kate Middleton is scheduled to carry out her first major engagement since undergoing abdominal surgery at a parade in London on June 8. Tickets are already being sold for the event, which precedes the main Trooping the Colour ceremony traditionally reviewed by the monarch.
While this marks Kate’s first official duty since her surgery, Kensington Palace has not yet confirmed her attendance. A royal source revealed that Palace officials were not consulted about the MoD’s announcement, emphasizing that attendance by Prince William or Kate at events is always announced by the Palace, not the MoD.
The MoD’s announcement suggests a hope that Kate will be well enough to attend one of the key ceremonial events in the Armed Forces’ year. However, only the Palace can officially announce her attendance at a royal event, and confirmation is not expected until closer to the date.
The parade on June 8 will feature over 1,400 soldiers from the Household Division and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, including 400 musicians from the Massed Bands. They will parade on Horse Guards for the second of two formal reviews, with 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards lining the route along The Mall.
Additionally, the MoD is advertising two more Trooping the Colour parades: one reviewed by Major General James Bowder on June 1 and another by King Charles III on June 15. Buckingham Palace has not yet confirmed the monarch’s attendance at these events.
In other news, the King was photographed with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of tomorrow’s Budget in a meeting at Buckingham Palace, adding to the royal engagements and activities capturing public attention.
