The Princess of Wales has written a letter to the Irish Guards to wish them luck for the Colonel’s Review in London on Saturday.

Kate, who is the colonel of the regiment, said she was sorry to miss the event, the final rehearsal for the Trooping the Colour parade, and wanted to show her support.

The letter said: “I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour.

“I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practising for months and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.

“Being your Colonel remains a great honour and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review. Please pass my apologies to the whole regiment, however, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.”

The princess is continuing her recovery at home following treatment for cancer.