A heartfelt moment between Prince William and Princess Kate at a military event in 2023 has resurfaced online, capturing public attention once again.
This touching tribute comes as Kate recently made her second public appearance of the year, following her battle with cancer.
Princess Kate stepped back from public duties in January due to health concerns, later revealing in March that she was undergoing preventive chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis.
During this time, she took a break from her royal duties to recuperate from abdominal surgery and focus on her treatment.
As a result, Kate missed several important events related to her new role as the royal colonel of the Irish Guards, a prestigious position given to her by King Charles III.
Kate’s connection to the Irish Guards is a long-standing one. Before their marriage, Prince William was appointed colonel of the regiment in 2011 by Queen Elizabeth II.
Kate frequently attended high-profile events with the regiment, including the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, where she presented shamrock sprigs to the soldiers.
When Prince William became the Prince of Wales in 2022, he assumed the role of colonel of the Welsh Guards, leaving a vacancy for the Irish Guards. King Charles entrusted this role to Kate, marking a new chapter in her royal duties.
The unofficial handover took place during the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Aldershot, England, on March 17, 2023.
In his farewell speech as colonel, William paid a warm tribute to Kate, acknowledging her dedication and loyalty. His heartfelt words were captured in a TikTok video uploaded by user @helensmccrory on July 17, which quickly went viral, garnering over 767,400 views.
“I may be stepping aside, but in Colonel Catherine, you have a committed, focused, and already incredibly loyal 11th Colonel,” William expressed in his speech. “As you serve together over the years ahead, know that I will continue to watch you, with huge pride in having been one of you.”
Kate responded with her own speech, expressing gratitude to William and the regiment. Though slightly nervous, her words reflected her excitement for her new role.
“I look forward to spending more time with you and your families, seeing your commitment to duty and service in all you do,” she said. “Before I close, however, I want to thank Colonel William. He has always talked about his fierce pride for this regiment.”
Kate concluded her speech with a heartfelt message to the soldiers. “I know he will continue to support us all in the work we do,” she added. “Finally, I would like to wish you all a very happy St. Patrick’s Day.”
The viral video also showcased moments from William and Kate’s joint engagements over the years, receiving over 56,000 likes and numerous comments praising the couple’s bond.
One TikTok user commented, “Such a beautiful couple,” while another noted, “They have every respect for each other. They fit perfectly.”
Despite her health challenges, Kate remained committed to her duties. She missed the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the Colonel’s Review of Trooping the Colour but wrote a letter to the Irish Guards reaffirming her dedication.
“Being your colonel remains an honor, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to make the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review,” she wrote. “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.”
Fans were thrilled to see Kate at the Trooping the Colour celebrations a week later, marking King Charles’ official birthday in London.
Making her first public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis, Kate dazzled in a white dress adorned with an Irish Guards badge brooch, symbolizing her ongoing commitment to her royal duties.
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