Kate Middleton to miss St Patrick’s Day Parade as Ministry of Defence announces her replacement

Kate Middleton’s last public event was on Christmas last year. Ever since then, she has not been seen attending a public or a Royal event. Soon after that, the Palace announced that the Princess was set to undergo a planned abdominal surgery and would be taking a short break from her Royal duties.

After the surgery, the Palace confirmed that the Princess was recovering well and taking the much-needed rest after the surgery - which even the living Nostradamus claimed was essential for the royal.

Kate Middleton replaced at the St Patrick’s Day celebrations

So far she has missed BAFTAs and the Commonwealth Day service that Prince William attended alone. Adding to this list is yet another major event that the Princess is going to miss - the St Patrick's Day Parade. Kate Middleton is an honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards and St Patrick’s Day Parade is an important event for the Colonel.

As Colonel of the Irish Guards, Kate would usually attend the St Patrick's Day parade to present the shamrock to Officers and Warrant Officers. These shamrocks are then issued among the ranks. Her time off from Royal duties has forced the Ministry of Defence to bring in a replacement for a role normally carried out by a Royal Family member.

According to The Express, Kate Middleton is being replaced by Lady Ghika, wife of the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, Major General Sir Christopher Ghika. Major General Sir Christopher Ghika has impressive Royal credentials.

He was in charge of the military processions for the King's Coronation, Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee and funeral, as well as Prince Philip's funeral.

Even when Prince William was a Colonel of the Irish Guards, the Princess was known to sometimes fulfil the role. The tradition dates back to the 1900s when sprigs of shamrock were presented to members of the Battalion on parade by a female member of the Royal Family. However, it is not the first time where a Royal has been unable to attend the event, this has previously happened at least ten times.

Kate Middleton to return to Royal duties by Easter

While Kate is going to miss the St Patrick’s Day Parade, a royal insider has revealed the future Queen will be returning to work soon. In the statement released by the Palace, it was informed that Kate wouldn’t be able to return until after Easter.

The Royal insider claimed the Princess, who recently apologised for touching up her Mother's Day photo, needs to be left alone in peace as the scrutiny she currently faces could be tipped into the realm of bullying, reports the Mirror. The source said:

The rumour mill — particularly on social media — has gotten out of control, but Kate is recovering well and she will be back by Easter. She just needs to be left in peace.

The source added she may be able to return to official duties by Easter - in just over two weeks.

Read More

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⋙ Prince William and Prince Harry with both attend Diana Legacy Awards

Sources Used

The Express: Princess Kate will miss major royal event as British Army offers replacement

Mirror: Date Kate Middleton 'will be back' revealed as Palace demand 'leave her in peace'