Prince William Visits with Welsh Guards After Kate Middleton Misses Big Event for Her Irish Guards

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince William visits the Welsh Guards on March 20, 2024.Photo:Welsh Guards

Welsh Guards

Prince Williamis reporting for Colonel duty.

On Wednesday, William made a private visit to the Welsh Guards at the Combermere Barracks near Windsor, where he lives withKate Middletonand their three children. Hebecame Colonel of the Welsh Guardsin 2023, a fitting role asKing Charlesnamed him the Prince of Wales following his accession, the traditional title for the heir to the British throne.

Prince William, 41, checked out the facilities and learned about planned improvements while spending time with soldiers, medics and physical training instructors during his visit. He also heard about the physical and mental rehabilitation programs the Welsh Guards are carrying out and the positive impact this is having on soldiers.

Apost with pictures of the visitshared on social media was captioned, “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.”

Prince William visits the Welsh Guards on March 20, 2024.Welsh Guards

Despite her absence at the holiday event, wherePrincess Kate traditionally hands out shamrock sprigsand toasts with a pint of Guinness, the Irish Guards kept the Princess of Wales in mind. A source told PEOPLE ahead of the event that theyplanned to give Kate three cheers at the end of their parade.

Although Prince William took several weeks off from public duties following Princess Kate’s surgery, he has returned to royal engagements in recent weeks. On Tuesday, heheaded to Sheffieldto continue his mission to make homelessness “rare, brief and unrepeated.”

Over the weekend, the Prince and Princess of Wales werefilmed together at the Windsor Farm Shop, marking thefirst time Kate has been seen on videosince her abdominal surgery on Jan. 16.

Nelson Silva, a Windsor local who recorded the video, spoke toThe Sunabout the continued speculation surrounding Princess Kate’s health, slamming online conspiracy theories as “delusional.”

“This is a video clearly showing her and William,” he said. “I saw them with my own eyes. It was a completely relaxed situation.”

Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Scotland in Nov. 2023.Paul Campbell - WPA Pool/Getty

Paul Campbell - WPA Pool/Getty

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

U.K. cricket player Kevin Pietersenalso attempted to clear up rumors, sharing on social media on Tuesday, “The conspiracy theories around Kate are absolutely absurd! We see W&K most days and in the last couple days too! It beggars belief that people would be so ridiculous and cruel in writing BULLS— on this platform that are out and out lies! W&K are the most wonderful parents and as normal/humble as they come. Let K who is recovering from an operation recover. Leave her and her beautiful family alone!!!!”

source: people.com