**Princess Catherine’s Absence Looms Over Trooping the Colour**

In a somber announcement from Buckingham Palace, it has been confirmed that Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, will not participate in the upcoming Trooping the Colour event next month.

This decision comes amidst ongoing speculation regarding her return to royal duties as she continues her cancer treatment.

Traditionally, as Colonel of the Irish Guards, Princess Catherine would lead the salute at the Colonel's Review, a rehearsal for the main event scheduled for June 8th.

However, the palace has stated that she will miss this significant occasion.

While Kensington Palace has not provided details about her public engagements moving forward, Catherine has been seen in public recently, suggesting that she is gradually navigating her treatment journey.

With her absence from the rehearsal confirmed, Lieutenant General James Bucknall will step into the role of inspecting officer, a position typically held by the Princess.

This change follows a mix-up earlier when the Ministry of Defence announced attendance at the event without prior consultation with Kensington Palace, leading to further confusion.

As for the official birthday celebrations on June 15th, uncertainty still surrounds whether Princess Catherine will be present.

Many royal watchers had hoped for her return during this festive occasion, particularly as it marks King Charles's birthday.

Given the latest news, however, those hopes seem dim.

If she does attend, it would mark one of her first public appearances since undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

Meanwhile, King Charles is set to participate in the Trooping the Colour parade, but he will do so from a carriage rather than horseback, prioritizing his health and recovery.

The King and Queen will be present, but it remains unclear if the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will join the festivities.

In previous years, Catherine has enjoyed the parade from a carriage alongside her children, adding a familial touch to the royal event.

This year's Trooping the Colour is expected to maintain its grand scale, featuring around 1,600 soldiers, 400 musicians, and 200 horses, culminating in a spectacular flypast over Buckingham Palace.

However, changes are afoot, as only senior working royals will gather on the palace balcony to witness the flypast, reminiscent of last year's arrangements.

Sources close to the palace have indicated that only those actively engaged in royal duties will be invited to the balcony, meaning extended family members like Princess Eugenie or Beatrice may not have a place this time around.

This marks a shift from the late Queen Elizabeth II's practice of including more family members in such events.

Although King Charles's actual birthday falls on November 14th, the Trooping the Colour ceremony has been celebrated annually since 1760, serving as the monarch's official birthday celebration.

As excitement builds for this year's event, the absence of Princess Catherine is felt deeply among the public, who have shown immense affection for her over the years.

In a recent emotional message, Catherine revealed her cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment, shedding light on her health struggles.

Her last official appearance took place on Christmas Day 2023, when she and Prince William attended church with their children, marking a poignant moment for the royal family.

As the royal family prepares for the upcoming celebrations, the focus remains on the health and well-being of Princess Catherine, with many hoping for her swift recovery and eventual return to public life.

The royal calendar is filled with anticipation, but her absence is a stark reminder of the challenges the family faces during these trying times.