Prince William continued on with his packed schedule of solo public appearances Wednesday, visiting Combermere Barracks to carry out his ceremonial duties as Colonel of the Welsh Guards.
William was given the title, which is traditionally held by the Prince of Wales, in 2022, one day after his father King Charles III ascended to the throne. William was previously the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards, a position that is now held by his wife, Kate Middleton. This week, William toured the barracks near his estate in Windsor and met with soldiers, medics, and physical training instructors, while hearing about the battalion’s day-to-day work on physical and mental rehabilitation.
In an Instagram post shared after the visit, William can be seen wearing a navy suit, visiting with various guards.
“As Colonel, Welsh Guards, it’s always a pleasure visiting the barracks to speak with the soldiers, hear plans for their future, and witness the great work the Battalion does with physical and mental rehabilitation,” the caption reads.
A statement posted to the Welsh Guards’s social media said that “it was an honour to share with [Prince William] the forward-looking plans of the Welsh Guards, our vision for the future, and the strides we’re making in both physical and mental rehabilitation.”
The barracks visit wasn’t far from William’s residence in Windsor, where Kate has been recovering since January from a “planned abdominal surgery.” Over the weekend, the Princess of Wales was absent from the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade led by the Irish Guards, only the second time she’s missed the event since 2012. (Her other absence was in 2016.)
A source told Us Weekly that the Guards’ honorary colonel, Kate, would be at the parade in spirit.
“The Irish Guards will all have Kate in their thoughts,” the source said, “and are planning a three cheers to her at the end of the parade in Mons Barracks.”
Indeed, Kate made it known that the Guards were on her mind as well, reportedly contributing about $2,500 toward the bill at the regimental bar the Guards visited after the parade. The Guinness was on her, even if she couldn’t physically be there.
Between Kate’s medical absence and King Charles’ lightened public calendar since sharing his cancer diagnosis in early February, William has had a number of solo engagements in recent weeks. In the past week, he also stepped out on his own to visit a new youth center and traveled for his initiative to end homelessness in the U.K.
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