King Charles sends positive message after Kate Middleton's apology

King Charles appeared in high spirits, dressed in full military uniform, as he presented new colours to the Irish Guards ahead of Trooping the Colour. 

As Colonel in Chief of the seven Guards regiments of the Household Division, Charles wore his Field Marshall's uniform with frock coat and medals while inspecting the guardsmen and officers on parade at Windsor Castle at lunchtime, before the Chaplain General consecrated the colours with a blessing.

The new colours will be used during Trooping the Colour at the King's official birthday parade in London on Saturday. The King is expected to participate in the parade but will inspect the soldiers from a carriage rather than on horseback.

Charles has recently resumed public duties while still receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

In March 2023, the Princess of Wales, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, took over the role of Colonel of the Irish Guards from the Prince of Wales.

Kate sent a letter to the regiment to apologise for not being able to take the salute and to wish them luck for the Colonel's Review, which was held at the weekend. She spoke of her pride in them and added that being Colonel "remains an honour".