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by Mick the Ram
In a hurried about-turn, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) had to remove a statement on its website in which they had openly claimed that the Princess of Wales would be appearing at the Trooping of the Colour this summer.
The Army said that Kate would be reviewing the troops at the second rehearsal of the King’s annual official birthday parade on 8 June and they even invited the public to book tickets, in an advertisement that was posted alongside her picture.
This drew an immediate response from Kensington Palace, who said they had not given permission for such a statement and that the MOD had not approached them for approval.
They added that any attendance of senior royals at these sort of events is generally confirmed much closer to the time, and this was even more applicable in this circumstance, due to the health issue that the princess is currently recovering from and her associated suspension of engagements.
Only last week the Prince of Wales had to withdraw at the very last minute from attending a memorial service in Windsor for his godfather, King Constantine of Greece, at which he was due to give a reading.
The reason was explained as a “personal matter” which sparked worries that Kate had suffered a setback in her recuperation from the abdominal surgery she received in January.
MOD not able to speak for princess
The Trooping of the Colour will take place on Saturday 15 June this year and is always a huge spectacle, which draws massive crowds to the capital. As ever, it will be wonderfully co-ordinated and carried out with impeccable precision.
To ensure everything is spot on there are two rehearsals performed, and these are set for the 1st and 8th of June and it seems that because of the Princess’s role as Colonel of the Irish Guards – who are the regiment trooping its colours this year – the Army felt able to confidently announce her attendance, but Kensington Palace made it quite clear that the MOD does not speak on her behalf.
Respecting privacy
The Palace stressed that it would be irresponsible, at this time, to put out details of Catherine’s attendance, especially as she has not yet returned to her royal duties after her operation.
They obviously want to avoid any panic and were quick to stamp out any speculation after the episode last week when Prince William made his sudden withdrawal from the memorial service.
Nevertheless, such is the media thirst the latest developments, it is inevitable that people will put two and two together and come up with an answer of five.
It is a delicate balancing act, trying to navigate the public appetite for information, whilst respecting the wishes of the princess for her continued privacy.
Repeat of earlier statement
Some of the rumours being spread on social media have been shocking, but a spokesperson for Kate brushed these aside, accepting that this is the way of the world.
They repeated once more the statement released in January, when it was said that it was unlikely that Kate would be seen before Easter: “Kensington Palace made it clear the timelines of the princess’s recovery. We said we’d only be providing significant updates and that guidance stands.”
Inevitable scrutiny
Her team are committed to protecting her from the public eye for as long as necessary to ensure she is allowed to recovery properly. Consequently, they will choose when and how she is first seen publicly again very carefully.
One thing for certain is that when she does eventually return to public duty, the scrutiny will be intense, with her every move analysed and her appearance examined in fine detail.
Well meaning but not helpful
What she probably could have done without was for her Uncle, Gary Goldsmith – the brother of her Mother, Carole Middleton – appearing on a live UK reality TV show and firing criticism and cutting remarks aimed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
He will no doubt defend his outburst, insisting that it was done in Kate’s defence, and they were delivered with good intentions.
Standing up for his niece
Mr Goldsmith is taking part in Celebrity Big Brother, screened nightly over the next month and on the very first show the businessman, who is known for being outspoken, was asked several questions about the royals and in particular about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
He totally rubbished their claims of racism, suspected to be against his niece: “For Kate to be portrayed as that is just so far removed from the truth, it’s ridiculous.”
He then accused Harry of “Throwing the royal family under the bus” and said Meghan became an extra dynamic and “Put a stick in the spokes” of a threesome of his niece, William and Harry who: “Really loved each other and were very comfortable together.”
He said the Meghan had created so much drama that he genuinely doesn’t think is there, and has tried to “rewrite history”.
He also said that he believes that Kate and William will be: “The saviours of the royal family”.
No doubt Kate will appreciate the sentiment, but not so much the timing, or indeed the choice of audience.
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